PRINCE2
Structured methodology for governed project delivery control
AS9100
Global standard for aerospace quality management systems.
Quick Verdict
PRINCE2 provides structured project governance for any industry, ensuring controlled delivery via principles, practices, and processes. AS9100 mandates aerospace quality management with safety, traceability, and risk controls. Organizations adopt PRINCE2 for repeatable success; AS9100 for certification and supply chain access.
PRINCE2
Projects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) 7th Edition
Key Features
- Seven principles as guiding obligations for compliance
- Manage by exception using tolerances for escalation
- Staged lifecycle with board decision gates
- Tailoring mandatory for project context adaptation
- Product-focused delivery with acceptance criteria
AS9100
AS9100D: Quality Management Systems for Aerospace
Key Features
- Configuration management for product integrity
- Product safety processes across lifecycle
- Counterfeit parts prevention controls
- Operational risk management requirements
- Enhanced supplier evaluation and monitoring
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PRINCE2 Details
What It Is
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) 7th Edition is a process-based project management framework. It provides governance, control, and delivery mechanisms for projects of any scale. The methodology emphasizes principle-driven, stage-gated execution with tailoring to context.
Key Components
- **Three pillars7 Principles, 7 Practices (Business Case, Organizing, Plans, Quality, Risk, Issues, Progress), 7 Processes (Starting Up, Directing, Initiating, Controlling Stage, Managing Delivery, Stage Boundary, Closing).
- Built on guiding obligations like continued justification and manage by exception.
- Uses management products (PID, registers, reports) for evidence.
- Certification via Foundation and Practitioner levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures controlled value delivery and auditability.
- Reduces risks via tolerances and escalation.
- Supports tailored governance for efficiency.
- Builds stakeholder trust in regulated sectors.
- Improves success through learning and repeatability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, tailoring, training, pilots, rollout.
- Involves roles definition, templates, certification.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; scalable via tailoring.
- No mandatory audits, but self-assurance via processes.
AS9100 Details
What It Is
AS9100D (AS9100:2016) is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a risk-based, process-oriented approach to ensure product safety, traceability, and supply chain integrity.
Key Components
- 10-clause Annex SL structure aligned with ISO 9001.
- Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1).
- Built on PDCA cycle; emphasizes human factors, supplier controls.
- Third-party certification via accredited audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets OEM/contractual mandates for market access.
- Reduces defects, improves delivery, lowers costs.
- Mitigates safety risks, enhances traceability.
- Builds stakeholder trust via OASIS database visibility.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits.
- 6-18 months typical; suits all sizes in ASD sectors globally.
- Requires evidence-based audits for certification maintenance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PRINCE2 | AS9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management governance and lifecycle | Aerospace quality management system |
| Industry | All industries, global applicability | Aviation, space, defense sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary project methodology | Certification quality standard |
| Testing | Internal stage reviews, no certification | Third-party audits, certification cycles |
| Penalties | No formal penalties, project failure risk | Certification loss, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PRINCE2 and AS9100
PRINCE2 FAQ
AS9100 FAQ
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