1. PMBOK is not a methodology but a framework for creating your own methodology.
2. PRINCE2 is a methodology which has every step and process defined for you.
In the light of above definitions, can any one also explain what ITIL and Six Sigma are?
Is ITIL and Six Sigma frameworks or project management methodologies?
How do you compare ITIL with PRINCE2 and PMBOK?
I am more interested in knowing about ITIL so you can skip Six Sigma.
I have tried to search the internet but have not been able to get a clear cut comparison of all these methodologies and frameworks.
Thanks for the help.
Kind Regards
Junaid
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George JucanManaging Partner| Organizational Perfomance Enablers NetworkWoodbridge, Ontario, Canada
ITIL/ITSM is a body of knowledge containing a framework and best practices for the operational part of IT – running the applications in production. It really has nothing to do with Project Management, even if the “new kid on the block” – Applications Management – describes a SDLC for applications development.
ITIL/ITSM was initially developed by UK Government and adopted by other organizations, being now standardized as ISO 20000 and BS15000. It is complemented from a projects perspective by PRINCE2, a project management methodology also developed by UK Government.
There is no relationship between ITIL/ITSM and PMBOK Guide – as mentioned one deals with operations whereas the other with projects. There is also no direct relationship between any of the above with Six Sigma, which is a quality improvement methodology.
Hope it helps,
George Jucan
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Junaid SahibzadaNetwork engineer| Alcatel-LucentSydney, Nsw, Australia
@George
Hi George,
Thanks you very much for clarifying the differences. I am just tring to get my definitions correct before I dive into this field.
Just to summarise, here is what my understanding is. Correct me if I am wrong
1. PMBOK is body of knowledge for Projects. PMBOK is not a methodology but a framework for devising methodologies. PMBOK encompasses all aspects and stages of a project starting from initiation to completion.
2. ITIL is a body of knowledge only associated with the operations side of an existing IT infrastructure.
3. PRINCE2 is a project management methodology used in the IT industry. PRINCE2 has been developed using the ITIL body of knowledge.
4. Six Sigma is mainly a quality improvement methodology.
One question that comes to my mind is that isnt it true that operations is also a part of projects? I mean I agree that once a project is completed, the only thing that is left is the ongoing operations of the end result that has been achieved as a project, but does PM deal with that part of the project also OR operations is not considered part of PM all together?
Another question that I would ask is that if operations is not part of Projects, then, how can ITIL help to run operations of an IT infrastrcuture that is a product of a badly conducted project? Is ITIL some kind of a magic wand that can even smooth out the operations of a infrastrcuture in which there are inherent issues due to faulty design and planning during the project management phase?
I thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Kind Regards
Junaid Saving Changes...
George JucanManaging Partner| Organizational Perfomance Enablers NetworkWoodbridge, Ontario, Canada
Hi Junaid,
Small correction on #3: PRINCE2 complements ITIL/ITSM, was not “developed using the ITIL body of knowledge”. Both come from the same approach promoted by the UK Government, but one deals with projects and the other one with operational aspects.
And no, “operations” is not part of “projects”. A project is responsible for delivering a product at specified parameters, operations will “keep the lights on”. There is a formal hand-out in between that assesses the “production readiness” of the delivered product through various tests, such as user acceptance and performance testing. There are typically performed or supervised by the operations people and the product is accepted in production mode only when these tests were completed successfully. From there on it is indeed the responsibility of operations group to keep the system operational.
And to clarify it further: a well-executed project (from PM perspective) could deliver a faulty product, as well as a badly managed project (over budget, late etc) could deliver a very good product. A good project manager will institute technical controls in the project, such as testing or reviews, but if the people executing the controls miss anything the product could very well have grave errors when completed. How well is the project executed and how “good” the end product is are not necessarily synonymous.
Hope it helps,
George Jucan
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Darren KosaPlanning & Controls ContractorHampshire, United Kingdom
Hi Junaid
PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology that promotes the benefits of consistent process for product driven projects. It was originally designed as a standard for IT projects, but has since undergone a makeover of sorts in an attempt to encompass a broader project spectrum… whether it has achieved its aim is another matter.
Apart from a shared historical IT association the only things ITIL and PRINCE2 have in common is the fact that they’re both the intellectual property of the Office of Government Commerce in the UK.
In answer to your other question, once a project has been accepted then the project is complete. Operations can form part of a service contract, but it is no longer the responsibility of the Project Manager (although I’m sure many companies would love for this to be the case).
As George points out, ITIL is a best practice framework and as such it will only offer guidance to a beleaguered operations manager. It will not make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
Regards,
Darren Saving Changes...
Darren KosaPlanning & Controls ContractorHampshire, United Kingdom
George,
You beat me to it... that'll teach me to go and make a cup of coffee before hitting send :o)
Regards,
Darren Saving Changes...
Junaid SahibzadaNetwork engineer| Alcatel-LucentSydney, Nsw, Australia
Gentlemen, thank you very much for such clear and concise definitions.
