What is PM²

A practical European project management methodology for projects and organisations of all sizes

PM² is a project management methodology developed by the European Commission to help organizations and teams complete projects successfully, with clear structure and without unnecessary bureaucracy. It was created in response to challenges observed within the Commission, where many projects failed to meet deadlines, exceeded budgets, or did not achieve their goals. PM² offers a simple, practical, and flexible framework suitable for projects of any size, whether public or private, while aligning with international standards such as PMBoK, PRINCE2®, and IPMA-ICB.

Visit our greek page to read the full article on PM² in Greek.

How PM² Works

PM² divides project management into four main phases:

• Initiating: Setting project objectives, identifying stakeholders, and allocating key resources.
• Planning: Developing detailed schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies.
• Executing: Implementing the project according to plan and monitoring progress.
• Closing: Evaluating results and documenting lessons learned for future use.

This structure ensures that every team member knows what to do, when, and how.

What PM² Includes

PM² provides:

• A governance model defining roles and responsibilities.
• Project phases from initiation to closure.
• Management processes guiding project activities.
• Artefacts: templates and guidelines for project documentation.
• Mindsets and behaviors promoting effective attitudes and practices.

Benefits of PM²

Using PM² brings several advantages:

• Simplicity and ease of use for projects of all sizes.
• Common language across teams, reducing misunderstandings.
• Transparency and accountability through clear roles.
• Adaptability to different sectors and organizations.
• Better resource utilization.
• Support for decision-making.
• International recognition through PM² certifications.

PM² Certification

PM² certifications range from foundational to advanced levels, proving knowledge and skills in project management. They are valuable for newcomers, students, and experienced professionals, offering:

• Professional recognition in Greece and Europe.
• Increased trust from employers and clients.
• Opportunities to participate in more complex projects.

PM² in Greece

PM² is applied in both the public and private sectors. Several Greek ministries and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) have integrated it into project management processes. Academic institutions and training providers, including the Hellenic American Union, have been offering PM² courses and certifications since it became publicly available, supporting professional development across industries.

The Evolution of PM²: A Comprehensive Approach

PM² has grown into a suite of methodologies covering project, programme, and portfolio management. This evolution allows organizations to achieve strategic goals through effective lifecycle management:

• PM² Project Management: Guidelines for managing the full project lifecycle.
• PM² Programme Management: Framework for coordinating interrelated projects to meet strategic objectives.
• PM² Portfolio Management: Tools for managing project and programme portfolios, optimizing investment value while maintaining strategic alignment.
• PM²-Agile: A hybrid approach integrating Agile principles for iterative and incremental delivery while maintaining alignment with governance and processes.

PM² resources are freely available through the European Commission and the Digital Europe Programme, ensuring open access to guidelines and standards