{"id":14296,"date":"2025-08-05T14:58:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:58:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theleansixsigmacompany.com\/uk\/?p=14296"},"modified":"2025-08-28T13:53:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T12:53:24","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-lean-six-sigma-and-prince","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theleansixsigmacompany.com\/uk\/library\/what-is-the-difference-between-lean-six-sigma-and-prince\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the difference between Lean Six Sigma and PRINCE?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Project managers today are often using PRINCE2 to manage their projects in an efficient and structured way. They may not immediately think of Lean Six Sigma, which is mainly known as a methodology for process improvement and optimisation. Yet the Lean Six Sigma<\/a> methodology offers significant advantages over traditional project management methods. In this blog, we take a closer look at the differences between the two methods and explain how they can complement each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lean Six Sigma and PRINCE2 are two different methodologies, each with its own origins, objectives, and principles. PRINCE2 was developed in the UK in the 1990s as a structured approach to project management. Lean Six Sigma, on the other hand, combines two distinct methodologies: Lean, which originated in Japanese industry (notably through the Toyota Production System) and focuses on eliminating waste and improving flow, and Six Sigma<\/a>, which was developed by Motorola in the 1980s and focuses on reducing variation and improving quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the different objectives between Lean Six Sigma and Prince2?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PRINCE2 focuses on efficient project management through structured planning, monitoring and control. This project management methodology provides a framework to deliver projects on time and on budget, with an emphasis on project management processes and documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lean Six Sigma places particular emphasis on improving processes by reducing waste and controlling variability while executing projects. In this way, as a project manager, you have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of your project results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other methodologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PRINCE2 provides an overall structured approach with principles, themes and processes for project management, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure. At the start of your project, the outcome is usually already known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lean Six Sigma uses the DMAIC<\/a> (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve & Control) methodology for process improvement. It emphasises data-driven decision-making and statistical analysis, focusing on measurable results. When you define a Lean Six Sigma project, the outcome is usually still unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

… yet complementary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although the approaches of Lean Six Sigma and PRINCE2 differ, they can be perfectly complementary for you as a project manager. On top of the structured project management methods of PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, with its process optimisation and quality management, offers valuable benefits for organisations that want to run successful projects. In this way, you create a more comprehensive and complete framework for effective project management and gain the following key strengths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n