Green Web Hosting is starting to become popular in the Internet world. It is something that more hosting companies are looking to move into. The very nature of web hosting means that it has an inevitable affect on the environment; computers need to be powered and servers are never switched off.
The internet has become an important part of many people’s lives and now contributes towards the employment of many millions of people worldwide. With green issues being taken more seriously by the majority of people alternative ways of many different parts of our lives are being explored. This is no different with web hosting, with people searching for alternatives that are less harmful to the environment. More and more people are thinking of ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Because of the increase in awareness of green issues, green web hosting is something many people are looking at. Green issues are now in the public consciousness like never before, and many would prefer greener hosting where possible. The environmental affects of hosting cannot be completely prevented but green hosting can help. There are initiatives that can be explored that will help. With people looking to more environmentally friendly options green hosting is a potential money maker for hosts. In many ways being environmentally friendly is a marketing opportunity, and this is something that could encourage hosts to become greener.
There are several ways in which web hosts can do this. The most obvious is that they can use more sustainable forms of energy such as solar power and wind power. If a host can produce all of their own energy using solar power for example, then this would make a significant difference. With sustainable energy being researched more all the time, the number of ways of doing this, and number of hosts doing it, is likely to increase. Carbon offsetting is an area that many hosts are starting to be involved in. This constitutes making up for the energy they are using by doing something to neutralise the affect on the environment. Planting trees is the best known of these. More simple green methods can also be used. Not wasting energy by using less where possible is a step that most hosting companies, as well as other businesses, can take. Laptops use less power than desktop computers, so this is an area that can be taken advantage of as well.
As far as the future is concerned, more advanced green hosting techniques are likely to occur, and hosting in general will likely become greener as environmental issues are taken more seriously. There is a question of whether all websites need to be up all of the time. If a website’s visitors are all from the same country (or even the same continent) then is it necessary for the website to be up during the night? If not then energy could be saved. But then there is a question of whether people will accept an inferior service. Another thing that could be possible in the future is for green initiatives to be enforced by governments. This could be the case across many areas and web hosting may be no different. Web Hosting will always have some affect on the environment, but there are certainly ways that this affect can be less than it currently is.
Andrew Marshall ©
Colocation Hosting
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Gold Investment – An Overview
Gold is the most precious gold on earth, and it is becoming an increasingly popular investment. In many ways it is the worldwide currency. Unlike other currencies, though, it appeals to people everywhere.
Historically gold was used as a trading currency, with people using it trade with other items before currencies existed. It has always been seen as valuable and still is to this day. Between 1946 and 1971 the price of gold was fixed at $35 an ounce. It was therefore a way of storing wealth, as it would not lose (but not gain either) its wealth. After 1971 the price rose dramatically surpassing $550 an ounce in 1980; more than fifteen times its previous value. It then dropped again and was as low as $351 in 1991, but this was still significantly higher than its $35 previous value. The rise in value soon started again as was a record high of $840 an ounce in early 2009. Over the past few months it has fluctuated.
Production of gold is low and this adds to its value as it is not easily obtainable. A large proportion is held by central banks such as the Bank of England and the Swiss National Bank.
People often seek gold in times of war as they are in fear of their currency being devalued. It is considered safer than cash as it will still hold value no matter what happens to their currency. Currency is valued worldwide so is not susceptible to the ups and downs in a particular country’s economy.
In the current economic times many have looked to gold as a way of safe guarding their saving. It is seen as a safe haven and due to potential currency devaluation this had made gold a more popular investment. This has especially been the case in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is being seen as an insurance in case a currency crashes. The problem for many though, is that it can no longer be used to purchase items, and many cannot afford to buy significant quantities of gold just for it to be stored and not used.
Gold is mostly seen as a way of saving, but it can also be used as an investment opportunity as they go up and down. Judging the gold price well will mean that a significant profit could be made. There are always likely to be times when the price is high and this is why people use it to save. But if gold is purchased when the price is low and then sold when high it will offer good returns.
Unlike other currencies, gold is not susceptible to inflation. If you save money now inflation will mean that it will be worth less in the future in real terms. This is not the case with gold. It is therefore a better way of saving for the future.
Andrew Marshall ©
Investment Trusts
Historically gold was used as a trading currency, with people using it trade with other items before currencies existed. It has always been seen as valuable and still is to this day. Between 1946 and 1971 the price of gold was fixed at $35 an ounce. It was therefore a way of storing wealth, as it would not lose (but not gain either) its wealth. After 1971 the price rose dramatically surpassing $550 an ounce in 1980; more than fifteen times its previous value. It then dropped again and was as low as $351 in 1991, but this was still significantly higher than its $35 previous value. The rise in value soon started again as was a record high of $840 an ounce in early 2009. Over the past few months it has fluctuated.
Production of gold is low and this adds to its value as it is not easily obtainable. A large proportion is held by central banks such as the Bank of England and the Swiss National Bank.
People often seek gold in times of war as they are in fear of their currency being devalued. It is considered safer than cash as it will still hold value no matter what happens to their currency. Currency is valued worldwide so is not susceptible to the ups and downs in a particular country’s economy.
In the current economic times many have looked to gold as a way of safe guarding their saving. It is seen as a safe haven and due to potential currency devaluation this had made gold a more popular investment. This has especially been the case in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is being seen as an insurance in case a currency crashes. The problem for many though, is that it can no longer be used to purchase items, and many cannot afford to buy significant quantities of gold just for it to be stored and not used.
Gold is mostly seen as a way of saving, but it can also be used as an investment opportunity as they go up and down. Judging the gold price well will mean that a significant profit could be made. There are always likely to be times when the price is high and this is why people use it to save. But if gold is purchased when the price is low and then sold when high it will offer good returns.
Unlike other currencies, gold is not susceptible to inflation. If you save money now inflation will mean that it will be worth less in the future in real terms. This is not the case with gold. It is therefore a better way of saving for the future.
Andrew Marshall ©
Investment Trusts
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Divorce Law in the United States
The United States have among the highest divorce rates in the world. Much of this has been blamed on the fact that it is relatively simple to acquire a divorce and that it is too much of an easy option once a relationship runs into problems.
There are many different types of divorce in America, with different laws for each of them. Family Law varies from state to state, so not all sections of divorce law apply to the whole of the country.
The type of divorce that has been blamed most for the high divorce statistics are No Fault Divorces. This means that neither partner is to blame for the breakup of the relationship and that there is no specific given reason for the divorce. If the couple have simply drifted apart or fallen out of love then this is the part of divorce law they will proceed with. Critics have said that a No Fault Divorce is too easy and means that couples do not attempt to work through their problem, therefore contributing to the high divorce rates. The advantage of this type of divorce as far as the couple is concerned is that it is less expensive and speeds up the process, thus making it less stressful and meaning they can get on with the rest of their lives more easily. In some states they only have to fill out some simple forms for a divorce to be granted.
Before No Fault Divorce’s were brought in one member of a couple had to be at fault for the marriage breakdown and there had to be a specific reason given for the divorce. These could be, amongst others, adultery, physical or mental cruelty, desertion, confinement in prison, or insanity.
In areas of divorce other than No Fault Divorce, a court must find that one of the following is true: -
• The relationship is no longer viable
• There are irreconcilable differences between the couple
• There is a conflict of personality that has destroyed the relationship
• The marriage have irretrievable broken down
Litigated Divorce is the type of divorce that comes to mind when most people think of divorce. Here a Family Solicitor on behalf of each person will try to work out an agreement, which will include settlements of finances, property and children amongst other things. These situations are the most complex and often end up in court, meaning that a good Divorce Lawyer will be an advantage. This is the most common type of divorce used in the United States where the couple have children together.
Mediated Divorce is where each member of the couple will try to work together to come up with an agreement. Neutral professionals (not working for either of the couple) may be involved to help come to an arrangement that is good for all concerned. If the situation cannot be resolved in this way it can turn into a Litigated Divorce.
Another type of divorce in the United States is an annulment. This dissolves a marriage and ends up being like there was no marriage in the first place. The vast majority of annulments will take place after a marriage is in its very early stages. An annulment will have to be granted by a judge. The most common reasons for an annulment are fraud (emotional fraud, having lied to the other person), concealment or a misunderstanding over a serious issue.
Andrew Marshall ©
Family Solicitor London
Divorce Lawyer London
There are many different types of divorce in America, with different laws for each of them. Family Law varies from state to state, so not all sections of divorce law apply to the whole of the country.
The type of divorce that has been blamed most for the high divorce statistics are No Fault Divorces. This means that neither partner is to blame for the breakup of the relationship and that there is no specific given reason for the divorce. If the couple have simply drifted apart or fallen out of love then this is the part of divorce law they will proceed with. Critics have said that a No Fault Divorce is too easy and means that couples do not attempt to work through their problem, therefore contributing to the high divorce rates. The advantage of this type of divorce as far as the couple is concerned is that it is less expensive and speeds up the process, thus making it less stressful and meaning they can get on with the rest of their lives more easily. In some states they only have to fill out some simple forms for a divorce to be granted.
Before No Fault Divorce’s were brought in one member of a couple had to be at fault for the marriage breakdown and there had to be a specific reason given for the divorce. These could be, amongst others, adultery, physical or mental cruelty, desertion, confinement in prison, or insanity.
In areas of divorce other than No Fault Divorce, a court must find that one of the following is true: -
• The relationship is no longer viable
• There are irreconcilable differences between the couple
• There is a conflict of personality that has destroyed the relationship
• The marriage have irretrievable broken down
Litigated Divorce is the type of divorce that comes to mind when most people think of divorce. Here a Family Solicitor on behalf of each person will try to work out an agreement, which will include settlements of finances, property and children amongst other things. These situations are the most complex and often end up in court, meaning that a good Divorce Lawyer will be an advantage. This is the most common type of divorce used in the United States where the couple have children together.
Mediated Divorce is where each member of the couple will try to work together to come up with an agreement. Neutral professionals (not working for either of the couple) may be involved to help come to an arrangement that is good for all concerned. If the situation cannot be resolved in this way it can turn into a Litigated Divorce.
Another type of divorce in the United States is an annulment. This dissolves a marriage and ends up being like there was no marriage in the first place. The vast majority of annulments will take place after a marriage is in its very early stages. An annulment will have to be granted by a judge. The most common reasons for an annulment are fraud (emotional fraud, having lied to the other person), concealment or a misunderstanding over a serious issue.
Andrew Marshall ©
Family Solicitor London
Divorce Lawyer London
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Portable Appliance Testing – Should there be clearer rules in with testing regularity?
There are currently no specific rules as to how often portable appliances should be tested. PAT testing needs to be done “regularly” but there are only guidelines as to how often so no specific regulations.
According to the portable appliance testing experts, London PAT Testing, regular testing “is generally interpreted as a requirement for annual testing”. Testing on an annual basis will be enough in most cases, but this is currently not enforced. This means some appliances go much longer periods without being tested, something that could potentially be dangerous.
This brings into question if the current guidelines are good enough. Should there be more specific rules as to how often portable appliance testing should take place? There are many different factors that contribute. The type of appliance in question is the most obvious one. The age of equipment is also significant; the older an appliance is, the more dangerous it could potentially be, and therefore it should, in theory, be tested more often. Use and usage are also factors. Something used once a year is likely to be a lot safer than something that is used several times a week. Whether or not something is used properly will also have an impact. Where equipment is used is another issue.
There are many ways in which PAT testing regulations could be improved. One of these would be for specific guidelines to be set out for different types of appliances. There could be different categories for different types of equipment. In some ways this would simplify things for business and landlords alike, as they would be able to check which category each appliance they are in charge of would fall into. There would be problems too with this though. There couldn’t be different categories for every single appliance, so it would depend on how they could be categorised.
Another potential improvement could be that a maximum period would be given for appliances to be tested. This means people would know that they have to test them every two years for example. This would prevent PAT testing from being neglected too much, something that is possible with the current regulations.
A car MOT is a model that could be followed. With an MOT a new car has to be tested after three years, and then every year thereafter. This, or something along the same lines, could be adopted in the world of PAT testing.
There are undoubtedly problems with the current regulations. People do not always know how often appliances should be tested, and therefore testing may not be carried out as often as safety requires, even if the regulations are being followed. It may well be beneficial to those responsible for appliances as well as those using them if the regulations where altered.
Andrew Marshall ©
According to the portable appliance testing experts, London PAT Testing, regular testing “is generally interpreted as a requirement for annual testing”. Testing on an annual basis will be enough in most cases, but this is currently not enforced. This means some appliances go much longer periods without being tested, something that could potentially be dangerous.
This brings into question if the current guidelines are good enough. Should there be more specific rules as to how often portable appliance testing should take place? There are many different factors that contribute. The type of appliance in question is the most obvious one. The age of equipment is also significant; the older an appliance is, the more dangerous it could potentially be, and therefore it should, in theory, be tested more often. Use and usage are also factors. Something used once a year is likely to be a lot safer than something that is used several times a week. Whether or not something is used properly will also have an impact. Where equipment is used is another issue.
There are many ways in which PAT testing regulations could be improved. One of these would be for specific guidelines to be set out for different types of appliances. There could be different categories for different types of equipment. In some ways this would simplify things for business and landlords alike, as they would be able to check which category each appliance they are in charge of would fall into. There would be problems too with this though. There couldn’t be different categories for every single appliance, so it would depend on how they could be categorised.
Another potential improvement could be that a maximum period would be given for appliances to be tested. This means people would know that they have to test them every two years for example. This would prevent PAT testing from being neglected too much, something that is possible with the current regulations.
A car MOT is a model that could be followed. With an MOT a new car has to be tested after three years, and then every year thereafter. This, or something along the same lines, could be adopted in the world of PAT testing.
There are undoubtedly problems with the current regulations. People do not always know how often appliances should be tested, and therefore testing may not be carried out as often as safety requires, even if the regulations are being followed. It may well be beneficial to those responsible for appliances as well as those using them if the regulations where altered.
Andrew Marshall ©
Monday, September 21, 2009
China to overtake USA as world’s biggest manufacturer
China is soon likely to overtake the United States as the world’s dominant manufacture. The USA has been the biggest manufacturing nation for several decades. As of 2007 it still had a significant share with 20% of the world’s total, with China producing 12%.
The gap between the two nations is narrowing rapidly though, and China looks set to overtake the US within the next few years. Manufacturing in China has increased massively in recent times, an increased that is accelerating all the time. In 1990 only 3% of manufacturing took place on China – so in just seventeen years (1990-2007) it increased by 300%. Even in 2005 it wasn’t one of the top three manufacturers, with the United States (20.6%), Japan (13.3%) and Germany (8.2%) having the strongest industries at the time. Now though, it is on the cusp of being top of the pile. As China’s manufacturing industry has grown so dramatically, the US has remain static in terms of its percentage of the globes total (based on 2007 figures).
When exactly China will overtake the US is the subject of much debate. There are many different opinions, making it difficult to judge when exactly this will happen. The Financial Times has claimed it could be as soon as 2010, with a report saying, “China will account for 17% of the world’s manufacturing output next year [2010] versus the United States 16%”. There are few who would argue that China will soon overtake the US; it’s just of matter of when. Another sign of China’s current growth is that its manufacturing industry grew by 10% in the three months from April to June 2008. Predictions as to when China will overtake the United States generally vary from 2014 to 2020.
The affect of the recession in America could accelerate China’s takeover. China hasn’t been hit but the global recession as much as the likes of the United States and Japan. It has still been affected but seems to be recovering quicker, and has been aided by a 4 trillion Yuan ($0.6 trillion) input from the Chinese government.
So it seems that China is certain to become the world’s most prominent manufacturer. It should come as no surprise as they do have the biggest population on earth, with around 1.3 billion people. It will be interesting to see how much their manufacturing industry, as well as their economy in general, will continue to grow over the coming decades. China’s population is almost a fifth of the earth’s total (approximately 19%) so it is possible their manufacturing output could mirror this. America’s total percentage will fall as a consequence, although that doesn’t necessarily mean the output amount will fall, although this is possible.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wholesale Manufacturers China
The gap between the two nations is narrowing rapidly though, and China looks set to overtake the US within the next few years. Manufacturing in China has increased massively in recent times, an increased that is accelerating all the time. In 1990 only 3% of manufacturing took place on China – so in just seventeen years (1990-2007) it increased by 300%. Even in 2005 it wasn’t one of the top three manufacturers, with the United States (20.6%), Japan (13.3%) and Germany (8.2%) having the strongest industries at the time. Now though, it is on the cusp of being top of the pile. As China’s manufacturing industry has grown so dramatically, the US has remain static in terms of its percentage of the globes total (based on 2007 figures).
When exactly China will overtake the US is the subject of much debate. There are many different opinions, making it difficult to judge when exactly this will happen. The Financial Times has claimed it could be as soon as 2010, with a report saying, “China will account for 17% of the world’s manufacturing output next year [2010] versus the United States 16%”. There are few who would argue that China will soon overtake the US; it’s just of matter of when. Another sign of China’s current growth is that its manufacturing industry grew by 10% in the three months from April to June 2008. Predictions as to when China will overtake the United States generally vary from 2014 to 2020.
The affect of the recession in America could accelerate China’s takeover. China hasn’t been hit but the global recession as much as the likes of the United States and Japan. It has still been affected but seems to be recovering quicker, and has been aided by a 4 trillion Yuan ($0.6 trillion) input from the Chinese government.
So it seems that China is certain to become the world’s most prominent manufacturer. It should come as no surprise as they do have the biggest population on earth, with around 1.3 billion people. It will be interesting to see how much their manufacturing industry, as well as their economy in general, will continue to grow over the coming decades. China’s population is almost a fifth of the earth’s total (approximately 19%) so it is possible their manufacturing output could mirror this. America’s total percentage will fall as a consequence, although that doesn’t necessarily mean the output amount will fall, although this is possible.
Andrew Marshall ©
Wholesale Manufacturers China
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Child Trust Fund after seven years
Recently the first batch of children to receive their Child Trust Fund were given their second instalments. Since September 2002 all parents of new born babies in the UK have been given a £250 Child Trust Fund voucher to invest on behalf of their child. They get another £250 sum when they child turns seven, something that the first to receive this are now getting. 700,000 children will be receiving this second instalment in 2009, meaning the government will be paying out around £460 million as part of the scheme, twice what it has been paying out in previous years. There are now 4 million children entitled to the Chid Trust Fund, with £2 billion having been paid into accounts; an average of £500 per child.
The merits and success of the Child Trust Fund have been much debated. A large number of parents have failed to take up the option of a child trust fund. According to the Observer on 23rd August 2009, approximately a quarter of parents did not invest their CTF voucher within a year of their child’s birth, meaning it was automatically invested in a stakeholders account. This would suggest that it has not been that successful. There are other statistics to say that those who have invested the voucher are embracing the scheme though. TISA says that 23.3% of those who have taken up the scheme are making regular direct debit payment into their child’s account, with a further 6% paying an annual lump sum. Therefore it is hard to judge how successful it has been.
Many would argue that the government could do without having to payout an extra £230 million this year (and every year from now on) with the current economical situation. Some are suggesting that the scheme could be scrapped in future. The Liberal Democrats have stated that they would like the scheme to be discontinued as the money could be better spent in other ways, such as education. The Conservative Party, though, currently have no such plans and say that their policy on the Child Trust Fund is the same as that of Labour, who came up with the policy.
How successful the Child Trust Fund will be when it comes to the amount a child will receive upon turning 18 depends on the amount of investment by parents and other family and friends apart from the two £250 instalments from the government. Based on no extra money being paid into the account, the Daily Mail’s Barry Collins claimed that once inflation is taken into account the total amount will not be enough to buy a mountain bike. He says that the original £250 will turn into approximately (depending on interest) £410, although this doesn’t include the second £250 instalment.
With regular payments though, the story could be much different. According to a report on the Channel 4 website, Nationwide calculate that with the maximum £1,200 invested by parents a year the accumulated amount would be around £24,000, certainly enough to get an 18 year old on his or her way in life. If parent are able to invest the child benefit they receive (£20 for the first child) this would go a significant way towards this.
Judging the overall success of the Child Trust Fund is not easy. If taken advantage of by parents the money can accumulate significantly, although some would argue that they could invest themselves anyways, and the £500 from the government would not make that much difference. The main problem is that there are still many parents not taking up the scheme, although this has increased over the last couple of years.
Andrew Marshall ©
Child Trust Fund
The merits and success of the Child Trust Fund have been much debated. A large number of parents have failed to take up the option of a child trust fund. According to the Observer on 23rd August 2009, approximately a quarter of parents did not invest their CTF voucher within a year of their child’s birth, meaning it was automatically invested in a stakeholders account. This would suggest that it has not been that successful. There are other statistics to say that those who have invested the voucher are embracing the scheme though. TISA says that 23.3% of those who have taken up the scheme are making regular direct debit payment into their child’s account, with a further 6% paying an annual lump sum. Therefore it is hard to judge how successful it has been.
Many would argue that the government could do without having to payout an extra £230 million this year (and every year from now on) with the current economical situation. Some are suggesting that the scheme could be scrapped in future. The Liberal Democrats have stated that they would like the scheme to be discontinued as the money could be better spent in other ways, such as education. The Conservative Party, though, currently have no such plans and say that their policy on the Child Trust Fund is the same as that of Labour, who came up with the policy.
How successful the Child Trust Fund will be when it comes to the amount a child will receive upon turning 18 depends on the amount of investment by parents and other family and friends apart from the two £250 instalments from the government. Based on no extra money being paid into the account, the Daily Mail’s Barry Collins claimed that once inflation is taken into account the total amount will not be enough to buy a mountain bike. He says that the original £250 will turn into approximately (depending on interest) £410, although this doesn’t include the second £250 instalment.
With regular payments though, the story could be much different. According to a report on the Channel 4 website, Nationwide calculate that with the maximum £1,200 invested by parents a year the accumulated amount would be around £24,000, certainly enough to get an 18 year old on his or her way in life. If parent are able to invest the child benefit they receive (£20 for the first child) this would go a significant way towards this.
Judging the overall success of the Child Trust Fund is not easy. If taken advantage of by parents the money can accumulate significantly, although some would argue that they could invest themselves anyways, and the £500 from the government would not make that much difference. The main problem is that there are still many parents not taking up the scheme, although this has increased over the last couple of years.
Andrew Marshall ©
Child Trust Fund
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Prince2 – An Overview
Prince2 is a worldwide project management methodology. It stands for “PRojects IN Controlled Environment”. The “2” comes from the earlier methodology, Prompt2. Prince2 started off in the UK, but has now grown to become a worldwide standard.
This training methodology first came about as it was decided that the standard of project management in the public sector in the UK was poor. Once established it became the standard for all government information systems projects, and all project managers working in the public sectors were given Prince2 training. Although originally instigated for the public sector, due to its success it soon started to be used in many areas across business. Project managers working in a variety of different areas within both the public and private sectors now receive Prince2 training, something that is offered by many different training companies around the UK and the rest of the world.
Prince2 covers many different areas of project management. It covers a framework for project management, looking at different processes that managers can go through during the running a particular project. It is essentially the best practice for project management. It helps managers plan, organise and run and project and the project team towards the eventual goals. It focuses more on the delivery of a project rather than the actual process. Therefore it can be used as a guideline for any type of project. With Prince2 organisation is key. One of its main aims is to provide managers with the knowledge and training to be able to deliver a project on time and on budget.
Prince2 breaks project management into various different stages; something that makes the process easier to control. It means that managers can use each stage to simplify all of the tasks that need to be completed. It highlights the importance of proper execution of projects so it can stay on course so it is completed as the original objectives require. Communication is a key component of Prince2. For a project to be completed successfully communications between all relevant team members is crucial. The importance of the control of resource is something that is covered as for a project to be successful all resources, such as finance and the expertise of the team, need to be utilised to the best possible effect. Management of risks and any possible issues is another area that is focused upon. Also of importance are regular reviews of the project. This allows managers, clients, team members, and anyone else involved, to be able to see where the project is at and which areas have to be altered to continue successfully.
According to Parity Training, who are a training company who provide Prince2 training, “Prince2 is the de facto standard project management method”. It is used as a standard of thinking, planning and running a project from the original preparation through to its completion.
Andrew Marshall ©
Prince2 Training
This training methodology first came about as it was decided that the standard of project management in the public sector in the UK was poor. Once established it became the standard for all government information systems projects, and all project managers working in the public sectors were given Prince2 training. Although originally instigated for the public sector, due to its success it soon started to be used in many areas across business. Project managers working in a variety of different areas within both the public and private sectors now receive Prince2 training, something that is offered by many different training companies around the UK and the rest of the world.
Prince2 covers many different areas of project management. It covers a framework for project management, looking at different processes that managers can go through during the running a particular project. It is essentially the best practice for project management. It helps managers plan, organise and run and project and the project team towards the eventual goals. It focuses more on the delivery of a project rather than the actual process. Therefore it can be used as a guideline for any type of project. With Prince2 organisation is key. One of its main aims is to provide managers with the knowledge and training to be able to deliver a project on time and on budget.
Prince2 breaks project management into various different stages; something that makes the process easier to control. It means that managers can use each stage to simplify all of the tasks that need to be completed. It highlights the importance of proper execution of projects so it can stay on course so it is completed as the original objectives require. Communication is a key component of Prince2. For a project to be completed successfully communications between all relevant team members is crucial. The importance of the control of resource is something that is covered as for a project to be successful all resources, such as finance and the expertise of the team, need to be utilised to the best possible effect. Management of risks and any possible issues is another area that is focused upon. Also of importance are regular reviews of the project. This allows managers, clients, team members, and anyone else involved, to be able to see where the project is at and which areas have to be altered to continue successfully.
According to Parity Training, who are a training company who provide Prince2 training, “Prince2 is the de facto standard project management method”. It is used as a standard of thinking, planning and running a project from the original preparation through to its completion.
Andrew Marshall ©
Prince2 Training
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)