..Revised methodology to reflect changes in today’s project management needs...

Monday 22nd June 2009, ILX Group plc (ILX), the blended training company has launched a new series of courses to reflect the recent PRINCE2® 2009 Refresh. In addition to the classroom environment, the ILX PRINCE2® 2009 courses are available in various multimedia formats – including On-line and CD Rom.  They are also supported by mobile devices such as the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.  The courses can be purchased by visiting http://www.ilxgroup.com/prince2-training.asp ILX is recognised for the quality of its PRINCE2® training and the new courses have been developed to ensure ILX’s clients have the appropriate level of knowledge to either attain or renew their accreditation.

The PRINCE2® 2009 Refresh has been the result of two years work designed to ensure that the guidance remains fully up to date and aligns to the types of projects undertaken today.  The changes have been billed as a more comprehensive review than the previous updates that last of which was carried out in 2005.

Key changes to the PRINCE2® method include:
1. The process model has been revised to contain only seven processes
2. The components section is now been divided into ‘Themes’ and ‘Principles’
3. The publications have been increased from one to two volumes - ‘Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® and the new ‘Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® – which are easier to understand and navigate
4. There is a cross reference to a wider list of project management techniques
5. There has been a reduction in the number of management products from 36 to a more manageable 26.

Eddie Kilkelly, Chief Operating Officer, ILX Group plc, says: “The latest update represents a real step change while keeping the spirit of the core method true to its original principles. Most of the method has been subject to subtle changes but the overall messages remain entirely consistent with the previous versions.  In addition, the authors have managed to align PRINCE2® with other international project management techniques such as those found in the UK APM Body of Knowledge and the US PMI.”

Anyone who has studied PRINCE2® already will find that their knowledge is still valid and anybody who holds a Foundation or Practitioner qualification can transition easily to the new version. From July 2009 all PRINCE2® examinations, including re-registration exams, will be based on the new version although there is a cross over period where exams can be taken on either the 2005 or 2009 version of the manual. This cross over period lasts until December 31 2009, after which all PRINCE2® 2005 examinations will be withdrawn.

Kilkelly continues: “While the update certainly provides more specific guidance than previous iterations, the success of PRINCE2® projects will still rely on the practitioner’s ability to apply the method to individual environments, which is why appropriate training is so important.  Our new ILX PRINCE2® 2009 Refresh courses will help existing and prospective PRINCE2® practitioners to become proficient in the revised methodology.”