PRINCE2
Structured project management methodology for governance control
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations.
Quick Verdict
PRINCE2 provides structured project governance for any industry, while AS9110C mandates quality management for aviation maintenance. Companies adopt PRINCE2 for controlled delivery and AS9110C for regulatory compliance and airworthiness assurance.
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 7th Edition (Projects IN Controlled Environments)
Key Features
- Manage by exception with tolerance-based escalation
- Management by stages for controlled progression
- Continued business justification throughout lifecycle
- Tailoring to suit project environment and scale
- Defined roles for clear accountability and governance
AS9110C
AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking in strategic and operational planning
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention
- Human factors in root cause analysis
- Maintenance release and product safety requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PRINCE2 Details
What It Is
PRINCE2® 7th Edition, officially Projects IN Controlled Environments, is a process-based project management framework. It delivers reliable governance and control for projects of any scale or complexity. Core approach: principle-driven, with continuous practices embedded in lifecycle processes for value-focused delivery.
Key Components
- **7 PrinciplesGuiding obligations like continued business justification, manage by exception, tailoring.
- **7 PracticesBusiness case, organizing, plans, quality, risk, issues, progress—applied continuously.
- **7 ProcessesStarting up, directing, initiating, controlling stage, product delivery, stage boundary, closing. Compliance via Foundation/Practitioner certification; no mandatory audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- **Strategic governanceException management frees executives; stages enable investment checks.
- **Risk/compliance benefitsAudit trails via products like PID, registers; supports regulations.
- **Tailored scalabilityHigher success than rigid use; builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: gap analysis, tailoring blueprint, training, pilots, institutionalization. Suits all sizes/industries globally. Focus: certification paths, templates, coaching for competence.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) standard for aviation maintenance organizations, such as repair stations and MRO providers. It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements using a risk-based thinking approach and Annex SL high-level structure across Clauses 4–10.
Key Components
- Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, product safety.
- Follows PDCA cycle; no fixed number of controls but requires documented information for evidence.
- Certification via accredited bodies with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures continuing airworthiness and regulatory compliance (e.g., FAA/EASA).
- Meets customer/OEM contracts for market access.
- Mitigates safety risks, improves on-time delivery.
- Builds stakeholder trust via OASIS listing.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to MROs globally; requires internal audits, management reviews before certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PRINCE2 | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management methodology with principles, practices, processes | Quality management system for aviation maintenance organizations |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, scalable to any project | Aerospace MRO, repair stations globally |
| Nature | Voluntary process framework and certification | Certification standard based on ISO 9001 |
| Testing | Practitioner exams, no mandatory audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of certification | Certification loss, regulatory/contractual risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PRINCE2 and AS9110C
PRINCE2 FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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