PRINCE2
Structured methodology for controlled project environments
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
PRINCE2 provides structured project governance for controlled delivery across industries, while ISO 30301 establishes certifiable records management systems for evidence and compliance. Organizations adopt PRINCE2 for repeatable project success and ISO 30301 for auditable records accountability.
PRINCE2
PRINCE2 7th Edition (Projects IN Controlled Environments)
Key Features
- Manage by exception using tolerances for efficiency
- Mandatory tailoring to project context and scale
- Continued business justification at stage boundaries
- Product focus with defined acceptance criteria
- Governance model via project board directing
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Explicit records requirements analysis (4.1.2)
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
- Risk-based planning and measurable objectives
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PRINCE2 Details
What It Is
PRINCE2 7th Edition (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based project management framework. It provides structured governance, decision rights, and control for projects of any scale. The methodology emphasizes value delivery through staged progression, tolerances, and tailoring to context.
Key Components
- **Seven PrinciplesGuiding obligations like continued business justification, manage by exception, and tailoring.
- **Seven PracticesBusiness case, organization, plans, quality, risk, issues, progress.
- **Seven ProcessesStarting up, directing, initiating, controlling stage, managing delivery, stage boundaries, closing.
- Certification via Foundation and Practitioner levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures repeatable governance and auditability.
- Reduces executive micromanagement via exceptions.
- Supports compliance in regulated sectors.
- Improves success through tailoring and lessons learned.
- Builds stakeholder trust with clear roles.
Implementation Overview
- Phased rollout: gap analysis, tailoring blueprint, training, pilots.
- Scalable for all sizes; voluntary certification.
- Focuses on management products like PID, registers.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 is the international certifiable standard for Management Systems for Records (MSR). It specifies requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records management supporting organizational mandate, mission, and goals. Applicable to any organization, it uses a High-Level Structure (HLS) with risk-based planning and PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Annex A (normative) details operational controls for records lifecycle.
- Core principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Conformity via self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures compliance, auditability, risk mitigation (e.g., loss, alteration).
- Enhances governance, efficiency, transparency.
- Builds stakeholder trust; integrates with ISO 9001, 27001.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits.
- Scalable for any size/sector; 9–18 months typical.
- Involves training, resources, internal audits for certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PRINCE2 | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management governance and delivery | Records management system requirements |
| Industry | All sectors worldwide, any size | All organizations globally, scalable |
| Nature | Voluntary project methodology, certification | Voluntary management system standard, certifiable |
| Testing | Practitioner exams, project audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, certification loss | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PRINCE2 and ISO 30301
PRINCE2 FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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