PMBOK, overseen by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is the recognised (de facto) standard of project management knowledge in the USA. In the UK and Europe, PRINCE2 is the project management method of choice, and is required by the UK government for all projects it commissions.
Comparing PRINCE2 and PMBOK is like comparing apples and oranges — PRINCE2 is a project management method and PMBOK is a standard.
Overview Comparison
| Aspect | PRINCE2 | PMBOK |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Method | Standard |
| Governing Body | PeopleCert | Project Management Institute (PMI) |
| Certifications | Foundation; Practitioner; Professional | PMP; Multiple others |
| Geographic Reach | Strongest in UK, Europe, Australia | Strongest in USA and globally |
PRINCE2 Strengths
- Strong on the business case, process and governance
- Offers standard roles for its project management team
- Provides a complete change control approach
- Stage and Team Plans with product breakdown advantages
- Product-based Planning technique with Product Descriptions
- Rigorous product quality specifications
PMBOK Strengths
- Covers actual procurement, pre-assignment and negotiation for team members
- Identifies needs in human resource management and soft skills
- Addresses requirement management in depth
- Broadly applicable across industries worldwide
Compatibility
There is a high level of compatibility between PRINCE2 and PMBOK. PRINCE2 would enhance the implementation of the PMBOK standards by providing greater depth and structure in governance, planning, and product delivery.
Chapter-by-Chapter Comparison
| PMBOK Chapter | PRINCE2 Coverage |
|---|---|
| Ch 1 – Introduction | No clash with PRINCE2 |
| Ch 2 – Project Management Context | PRINCE2 uses "stage" rather than "phase" but the concept is the same |
| Ch 3 – Project Management Processes | PRINCE2 processes are more clearly separated; the 7 processes provide more detail than the 5 PMBOK groups |
| Ch 4 – Integration Management | PMBOK mentions WBS rather than Product Breakdown Structure |
| Ch 5 – Scope Management | PRINCE2's approach is wider, e.g. identifying the whole project management team |
| Ch 6 – Time Management | Covered by PRINCE2 planning processes |
| Ch 7 – Cost Management | PRINCE2 does not include EVM but works with any such tools |
| Ch 8 – Quality Management | Both methods recognise customer expectations, prevention over inspection and management responsibility |
| Ch 9 – Human Resources | PRINCE2 does not cover this aspect |
| Ch 10 – Communications Management | PRINCE2 describes communication products with Product Descriptions |
| Ch 11 – Risk Management | The PRINCE2 Risk practice fully covers this |
| Ch 12 – Procurement Management | PRINCE2 regards this as a specialist activity, not a generic part of project management |