APM Competence Framework vs Other Project Management Standards: A Comparison

Picking the right Project Management framework means finding the right language to express project success. Among the numerous frameworks, the APM Competence Framework stands out with its people-centric approach and emphasis on professional growth, as exemplified by the APM Courses.

But how does it rank against other heavyweights such as PRINCE2, P3O®, MSP® and PMP®? This blog explores their distinctions in detail and delves into their strengths, nuances and applications. So, dive in and find the right path for your project journey!

Table of Contents  

• Understanding the APM Competence Framework  
• Overview of Other Leading Project Management Standards  
• Which Framework Should Organisations Adopt?  
• Conclusion

Understanding the APM Competence Framework

The APM Competence Framework was created by the Association for Project Management or APM. It defines the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary for effective project delivery. Its focus is on individual professional development and organisational capability. It accomplishes these through the following structured competence domains: 

• Technical Domain: It emphasises the fundamentals of project management.  Planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, and quality assurance are a few examples of these procedures.  It is intended to ensure that experts possess the necessary technical expertise to complete projects successfully.
• Behavioural Domain: The behavioural domain places a strong focus on soft skills and personal qualities. Leadership, communication, cooperation, flexibility, and conflict resolution are examples of these essential abilities.  These are necessary for effectively managing teams and maintaining stakeholder engagement.
• Contextual Domain: This domain recognises that initiatives must align with external environmental factors, governance frameworks, and broader corporate strategy.  Its only goal is to guarantee that projects support long-term corporate objectives.

By integrating all three domains, the APM Competence Framework help Project Managers become technically skilled and behaviourally competent.

Overview of Other Leading Project Management Standards

Here is an overview of some of the major Project Management standards:

PRINCE2: When it comes to structured and process driven Project Management, PRINCE2 stands out as a globally trusted approach. Here are the key points to remember:

• PRINCE2 is short for Projects IN Controlled Environments. 
• It’s one of the most popular methodologies in the UK and across Europe. 
• It gives you a highly structured and process driven approach to managing projects. 
• It prioritises governance and business justification at every stage. 
• It is got seven themes, seven principles and seven processes that give a clear roadmap to Project Managers. 
• PRINCE2 is highly effective in public sector and regulated environments.
• Additionally, its high scalability means it can be applied across industries of different size and complexity.

P3O®: For organisations aiming to establish effective offices that drive strategic alignment, P3O® provides the ideal framework. Consider these points:

• P3O® is short for Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices. 
• Depending on their needs, organisations can use it to set up Portfolio Offices, Programme Offices or Project Offices.
• The focus of P3O® is on delivering decision-enabling information and supporting strategic alignment.
• It provides frameworks for assurance, Risk Management and benefits tracking.

MSP®: If your goal is to manage transformational change through coordinated programmes successfully, MSP® offers the structure you need. Here are some of its key aspects:

• MSP® stands for Managing Successful Programmes and is specifically designed for Programme Management. 
• It helps you coordinate multiple related projects to achieve organisational transformation.
• It places strong emphasis on benefits realisation and managing interdependencies between projects. 
• MSP® is particularly effective in large-scale organisational changes such as mergers and digital transformation initiatives.

PMP®: For professionals seeking global recognition of their Project Management expertise, PMP® is the certification of choice. Here are some points to remember:

• PMP® stands for Project Management Professional.
• It’s the premier certification from the Project Management Institute or PMI. 
• Unlike PRINCE2 or MSP®, PMP® is not a methodology but a certification. 
• It validates a professional’s competence across process groups, knowledge areas and hybrid approaches and draws heavily from the PMBOK Guide. 
• PMP® ensures that Project Managers have the skills to lead diverse projects and adapt methodologies to suit the context, be it predictive, Agile or hybrid.

Which Framework Should Organisations Adopt?

No single framework can serve as a universal solution. When deciding on a framework, organisations must consider their goals, industry requirements and regional practices. Consider these points:

• PRINCE2 offers a process-oriented methodology, while the APM Competence Framework is about developing professional behaviours and capabilities.
• A blended approach often provides the most efficient solution for organisations.
• Combining PRINCE2 with the APM Competence Framework can help ensure that projects are well-governed and professionally managed.
• Global organisations may consider PMP® for internationally recognised validation of hybrid skills and Project Management knowledge.
• MSP® is valuable for large-scale transformation programmes while P3O® supports enterprise-level governance and prioritisation by establishing portfolio, programme and project offices.
• Successful organisations often opt for a hybrid ecosystem of frameworks.
• They align these frameworks with industry demands and culture for maximum value.

Conclusion

By understanding the differences between APM Competence Framework and other prominent Project Management Standards, you can create resilient and future-ready teams. They will be capable of thriving in the ever-evolving Project Management landscape. Consider The Knowledge Academy courses to deepen your understanding of Project Management frameworks and standards and elevate your Project Management skills.