Project managers are increasingly pressed to deliver results with speed, adaptability, and precision. While Agile methodologies offer flexibility and responsiveness, PRINCE2 provides structured governance and control. The question many organisations face is: Can these two approaches coexist?
The answer is a resounding yes—and the integration of PRINCE2 with Agile can lead to a more balanced and effective project management strategy. With PRINCE2 Agile v2 training, your team can implement best practices from both and ensure project success.
Top Project Management Challenges
How many IT Projects fail? According to the Standish Group’s most recent and final CHAOS Report in 2020, only 31% of IT projects are considered successful (on time, on budget, with full functionality).
50% are challenged—over budget, over time, and/or missing features.
19% are failures—cancelled before completion or never implemented.
That means almost 70% of IT projects are either challenged or fail outright.
Challenges are often rooted in complexity and communication. From speaking with clients, we also found that skill gaps, especially the lack of formal project management training and the lack of awareness of project management methodologies, are major roadblocks to innovation.
Research by E.P. Dimaculangan from Batangas State University found that project management challenges are especially prominent in the construction sector:
Technology Adoption
Time and Cost Overruns
Fragmentation
Safety and Waste Management
To address these problems, organisations often seek to learn about existing frameworks, specifically through PRINCE2-Agile courses.
Understanding the Strengths of Each Framework
The combined PRINCE2 Project Management and Agile frameworks take the best of each approach. This combo is sometimes dubbed “WAgile” and you can master it by combining the latest training of the PRINCE2 Agile and PRINCE2 Project Management courses.
PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-driven project management methodology that emphasises governance, risk management, and accountability. According to the Project Management Institute, it is widely used in industries that require rigorous documentation and control, such as engineering, finance, and government.
PRINCE2 Agile, on the other hand, is a mindset and methodology focused on iterative development, customer collaboration, and adaptability. It thrives in dynamic environments like software development and digital transformation projects.
Why a PRINCE2 Project Management and Agile Integration Makes Sense
PRINCE2 Project Management and PRINCE2 Agile are often seen as opposites—one rigid, the other fluid. But this perception is outdated. PRINCE2 Project Management is not inherently “waterfall”; you can tailor it to suit different environments, including ITIL, Agile and DevOps, to name a few.
The PRINCE2 Agile framework was developed as an Agile Best Practice. It focuses on the Agile Mindset of “Being Agile” as well as implementing the method or “Doing Agile”. This framework is open to incorporating the strengths of PRINCE2, such as control and governance, with the flexibility of Agile, allowing teams to maintain control while adapting to change.
Some IT project consultant students have shared feedback on project management courses that combine both approaches, and the benefits they bring. Through training, they gained insights into how project management can benefit an organisation by combining agility in the successful delivery and closure of projects.
The Benefits of PRINCE2 Agile Integration
Given how tough it is to manage projects, booking and sitting a PRINCE2 Agile course offers advantages that you can implement within your team:
Improved flexibility: Agile methods allow teams to respond quickly to change, while PRINCE2 ensures that changes are managed within a controlled framework.
Enhanced stakeholder communication: PRINCE2’s emphasis on roles and responsibilities complements Agile’s focus on collaboration.
Better risk management: PRINCE2’s RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) logs provide a structured way to track uncertainties, which Agile teams can address iteratively.
Scalability: PRINCE2’s governance model supports scaling Agile practices across large organisations and complex projects.
How PRINCE2 Agile Works in Practice
Through the PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner course, students can see first-hand what a successful integration typically involves:
Tailoring PRINCE2 to Agile contexts: This means simplifying documentation, focusing on outcomes, and using Agile-friendly language and tools.
Using PRINCE2 for governance and planning: The early phases of a project—such as discovery, business case development, and stakeholder alignment—can follow PRINCE2’s structured approach.
Applying Agile during development: Once the project moves into execution, Agile methods like Scrum or Kanban can be used for iterative delivery and team collaboration.
Maintaining dual roles: A Project Manager oversees the entire project lifecycle, while a Scrum Master facilitates Agile development processes.
This hybrid approach has proven effective in regulated industries such as banking and healthcare, where both compliance and speed are crucial.
Explore PRINCE2 Agile Courses with Lumify Work
Integrating PRINCE2 with Agile methodologies isn’t just possible—it’s increasingly essential. As organisations strive to balance control with adaptability, the PRINCE2 Agile framework offers a practical solution. By leveraging the strengths of both approaches, project managers can deliver value faster, with greater transparency and resilience.
Learn about integrating the two approaches with PRINCE2 Agile courses like the combined PRINCE2 Agile® Foundation and Practitioner training. Lumify Work is an Accredited Training Organisation with Platinum Partner status for PeopleCert courses and certifications, including PRINCE2® certifications.
The continued international development of PRINCE2 examinations, training and course material is contributing significantly to the recognition of PRINCE2 as a truly relevant and global project management standard.
Our official training courses support the full range of PRINCE2 certifications, equipping professionals with a structured, process-based approach to effective project management across industries.
Elevate your business and career to new heights. Download our brochure on PRINCE2® courses.
With Lumify Anywhere, students can undertake this project management training in-person at one of our campuses, at your site, or online, allowing flexible delivery to suit their personal needs and schedule.
