Achieving success in projects

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a project management methodology developed in the United Kingdom. It is used to manage projects of any scale and complexity, regardless of industry.

PRINCE2 is based on the principle that project management should be structured and controlled. The methodology breaks down a project into controllable stages, enabling more effective project management. It also places significant emphasis on roles and responsibilities within the project team and stresses the importance of timely communication with stakeholders regarding the project's status.

PRINCE2 consists of 7 principles, 7 themes, and 7 processes. The principles include ideas such as business justification for the project, risk management, stage control, and change control. Themes cover areas like quality management, risk management, cost and resource management. Processes include steps such as starting a project, managing stages, and closing a project.

Advantages of using the PRINCE2 methodology include:

• More effective project management,
• Better communication among project team members and stakeholders,
• More accurate risk assessment and mitigation measures,
• Reduction in time spent on project management.

PRINCE2 is one of the most widely adopted project management methods globally and is utilized across various sectors, including IT, construction, public administration, and finance.



PRINCE2 includes the following 7 principles:

1. Business-Oriented Project (Business Justification)
2. Stage Management (Stages)
3. Exception Management (Exception)
4. Product Management (Product Focus)
5. Role and Responsibility Management (Roles and Responsibilities)
6. Plan Management (Plans)
7. Change Management (Change)

These principles help project teams focus on achieving business-oriented goals, identifying and managing risks, ensuring proper product management, as well as managing changes in the project.

PRINCE2 is not tied to specific tools or software, however, standard project management tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, Trello, Smartsheet, and others are often used to visualize plans, resources, and monitor project progress in accordance with PRINCE2 principles.

Six Sigma is a quality management methodology aimed at reducing defects in processes and products to a minimum.

Its principles include:

1. Focusing on customer needs and achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
2. Using facts and data to make informed decisions.
3. Working in teams and managing processes to achieve quality.
4. Defining and measuring processes and products to identify potential sources of defects.
5. Improving processes and products using statistical methods and tools. Managing changes in processes and products to ensure stable quality and customer satisfaction.

The main goal of the Six Sigma methodology is to minimize defects and non-conformities in processes and products down to a level of 3.4 per million opportunities. To achieve this goal, facts and data, process management and quality improvement, change management and innovation, continuous measurement, and process monitoring are used.

Among the tools used in the Six Sigma methodology are:

• DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) — a process improvement methodology that helps define problems, measure them, analyze causes, develop and implement improvements, and establish process control.

• DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) — a methodology used to design new products or services considering customer requirements and preferences while minimizing defects.

• Process control maps — a tool that allows visualization and analysis of processes, identification of bottlenecks, and determination of areas for improvement.

• Measurement systems — enable the measurement and analysis of data using statistical methods, which helps improve processes and enhance product or service quality.

• Risk management — identifies and manages risks associated with processes and products, helping to reduce defects and improve quality.

Some online tools that can be used when implementing the Six Sigma methodology include:

• Minitab: Statistical package for data analysis and chart creation.
• SigmaXL: Data analysis and graphical visualization package that integrates with Microsoft Excel.
• iGrafx: Process modeling tool that can be used to identify and eliminate problematic areas in business processes.
• JMP: Software for statistical data analysis, including graph analysis, multiple regression, variance analysis, and more.
• Six Sigma Calculator: An online calculator that can calculate parameters such as mean, standard deviation, Cp/Cpk.
• Lean Six Sigma Toolbox: An online platform providing access to a range of tools for quality management and business process optimization.

Six sigma

The Critical Path Method (also known as CPM) is a project management methodology that helps optimize project timelines by identifying the most critical tasks and minimizing risks. It relies on analyzing dependencies between tasks and their durations to determine the critical path of the project.

The primary tool for managing projects using the Critical Path Method is a network diagram, which displays all project tasks, their interdependencies, and their duration. This allows you to identify the critical path and track the progress of tasks within that path.

Other tools for managing projects under the Critical Path Method include Gantt charts, PERT diagrams, and project management software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, and others. These tools help manage the project schedule, identify task dependencies, control budget and resources, monitor progress, and manage risks.


The Critical Path Method is a mathematical technique for planning and managing projects, focused on determining the critical path within the project's network diagram. The core principles of the CPM method include:

• Breaking down the project into tasks and estimating their durations. Creating a network model of the project, showing the sequence of tasks and the relationships between them.
• Identifying the critical path, which determines the shortest possible timeline for completing the project.
• Optimizing the project timeline by managing resources and shortening task durations whenever possible.
• Regularly monitoring and controlling the execution of tasks to maintain the project on schedule.

These principles facilitate precise and efficient project management, enabling the achievement of goals within the specified timeframe and budget.

There are many software applications for managing Critical Path projects, including Microsoft Project, Oracle Primavera, ProjectLibre, and more. These tools let you create Gantt Charts, identify critical paths and timing buffers, and oversee task execution and resource allocation.

The critical Path method

The Rational Management Methodology (RMM) is an approach to project management that is based on systematic and analytical planning, evaluation, and control of projects. Its key stages include setting goals, developing project plans, assessing risks, and monitoring task execution. The main objective of this methodology is to ensure optimal utilization of resources, adherence to deadlines, and achievement of project goals.

Although the Rational Management Methodology does not have clear-cut principles, it is grounded in a systemic and logical approach to managing organizations and their projects. Nonetheless, some central concepts can be identified:

1. Goal setting and planning
2. Organizational activity and coordination
3. Monitoring and managing processes
4. Resource optimization
5. Continuous improvement

These ideas contribute to enhancing project management and organizational efficiency.


A pivotal characteristic of the Rational Management Methodology is its versatility and broad application. It offers tools and techniques applicable to almost any domain where work structuring and process management are required. This encompasses industrial facilities, office environments, scientific research, and social projects.

Methodology of rational management

The first part of the article is here.