Clinton int Veld, CEO and founder of the X-Pert Group, says: We have identified the PRINCE2 project framework needs locally, hence the decision to pursue this accreditation. Furthermore, our clients expect us to keep abreast of worldwide trends in project management.
 
Steve Tofts of Benchmark Training, X-Perts UK accreditation partner, says that the Projects In Controlled Environments (PRINCE) framework was originally developed by the UK Government for use in major public sector IT projects. PRINCE2 - the second version, brought PRINCE into the general project management arena.

This project management methodology is now considered to be best practice for all types of projects, he adds. Since its launch in 1989 and its subsequent re-launch in 1996, PRINCE2 project management has become widely used in both the public and private sector. It is fast becoming established in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, the USA and now SA.
 
According to int Veld, PRINCE2 project management uses a structured methodology in an organised way, following clearly defined steps with well-understood roles and responsibilities. It aims to match the requirements of project governance by delivering the following attributes to any project:
* Control from the start to the end of the project;
* Regular reviews against the plan and the business case;
* Flexible decision points;
* Automatic management control of any deviations;
* Involvement of management and stake-holders at the right time and in the right place;
* Good communication channels between the project, project management and the rest of the organisation.
 

In order to qualify for the PRINCE2 accreditation various requirements had to be achieved by the X-Pert Group. The lecturers had to sit the foundation as well as the practitioners examination obtaining well over the required 50% pass rate for delegates. In addition to this a video and an hour-long interview is required by The APM Group, which is an internationally recognised provider of the qualifications in PRINCE2.
 
As the course is quite intense, the number of delegates attending is restricted to a maximum of twelve. The Foundation phase is held over a period of three days and delegates are required to complete assignments each day and obtain at least 50% for the examination, whilst the Practitioners course is held over two days with delegates writing a final examination. The certification lasts for a period of five years.
 
A recent Gartner Group research states: Over the next three years, project management will become one of the top five major strategic issues that most managers will have to address to be successful.