7 Practices (Themes)

PRINCE2's 7 Practices (previously called Themes) describe aspects of project management that must be addressed continuously throughout a project. They answer the fundamental questions a project must ask: Why? Who? What? How? When? What if? Where are we now? Each practice describes the minimum requirements that must be met for a project to be PRINCE2-compliant.

In PRINCE2 7th Edition, People has been elevated from an aspect to a full practice, reflecting the growing recognition that people skills are central to project success.

Key Points

• 7 Practices were previously called 'Themes' — same concept, renamed in 7th Edition
• Business Case practice: Is this project still worthwhile? (Why)
• Organising practice: Who is accountable and responsible? (Who)
• Quality practice: Are we building the right product to the right standard? (What)
• Plans practice: How, when, and at what cost will it be delivered? (How/When)
• Risk practice: What might happen to affect outcomes? (What if)
• Issues practice: What day-to-day problems must be managed? (What now)
• Progress practice: Where are we? Should we continue? (Where are we)
• People practice (new in 7th): How do we build an effective team environment?

Key Terms & Definitions

Project Brief

A document that provides the terms of reference for the project, used to trigger the Initiating a Project process.

Project Initiation Documentation (PID)

The baseline management product created during Initiating a Project, containing all major planning information.

Quality Register

A log of all quality activities that are planned and/or have taken place.

Risk Register

A log of identified risks and their assessments, including responses and owners.

Issue Register

A log of all issues that have been raised, and their management and current status.

Lessons Log

A log used to capture any lessons that can be usefully applied to this project or future projects.