Managing Change
Author:
By Andy Gibbins
Prince2 is the fastest growing method for managing projects. It is now a de facto standard used extensively by the 
Prince2 defines a project as "A management environment that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to a specified business case".
Prince2 is a method. It is a framework for ensuring the project has structure and purpose. It does not, in itself, achieve the change.
The method adopts the following principles of good project management to achieve successful projects
- A project is a finite process with a definite start and end
- Projects always need to be managed in order to be successful
- For genuine commitment to the project, all parties must be clear about WHY the project is needed, WHAT it is intended to achieve and what the parties RESPONSIBILITIES are in that achievement
Change Management
Wikipedia defines Change management as “a structured approach to change in individuals, teams, organisations and societies that enables the transition from a current state to a desired future state”.
So clearly the process has a start, a finish and a means of getting there !
Is Prince2 Appropriate for Change Management Projects ?
Given the definition above, it is clear that, Prince2 can be highly appropriate for change management projects. Very importantly and often overlooked in change management projects, Prince2 must always driven by a clearly defined business case. The business case must be validated as the project progresses - an essential for any good project but one that is easily lost in the emotionally charged environment of change management.
The method itself consists of a number of tools and techniques designed to deliver the business benefits to the customer. It is a rigorous approach 
that ensures that nothing is missed.
The key to success is scaling the use of the method for the particular project. Whilst the method is highly structured, an effective project manager should be working with the structure, tailoring it for the particular activity.
We have all experienced projects that suffer from unclear goals, rework due to scope change, uncertainty, lack of buy in etc. Again, without being too heavy and bureaucratic, Prince2, used properly should allow all of these issues to be systematically avoided.
Conclusions
Focus on the people issues is vital in change management. Without the people on-board and engaged, change management will undoubtedly fail. However, focusing on just the people issues will lead to lack of clarity, an extended process and one which may not satisfy the original business goals.
Prince2 is only a tool that supports the change management process but is undoubtedly one that, in the right hands, will provide the means to keep the change under effective control.