Category: Prince2

Over 200 editable templates tailored for Agile Scrum, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 frameworks

Mark Whitfield’s premium project management toolkit consists of over 200 editable templates tailored for Agile Scrum, Waterfall, and PRINCE2 frameworks. Built across 30+ years of digital and IT delivery, these frameworks prioritize corporate governance, seamless stakeholder reporting, and visual lifecycle control.

Example of many plan on a page poap ppt templates
Many POAP, Plan on a Page example templates

Below is the comprehensive, scannable breakdown of the core artifacts categorized by lifecycle focus, purpose, and application format. Purchase project templates here.

📅 1. Master Planning & Visual Roadmapping

These tools serve as the operational foundation for tracking dependencies, defining Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), and establishing executive visibility.

  • Detailed Software Development Life-Cycle (SDLC) Plan
    • Focus: End-to-end task tracking from inception and elaboration to construction, testing, and transition.
    • Format: Microsoft Project (.mpp) & Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield PMO Toolkit
  • PRINCE2 7th Edition Master Project Plan
    • Focus: Standardized governance processes structured according to the latest PRINCE2 methodology.
    • Format: Microsoft Project (.mpp) & Microsoft Excel Gantt Tracker.
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield PRINCE2 Master Walkthrough
  • Plan on a Page (POaP) Blueprint
    • Focus: High-level, timeline-focused visual summaries mapping deliverables and milestones to client monthly views.
    • Format: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx, 30+ layout variations) & MS Excel.
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield POaP Templates
Example MS Excel Project Plan template
Example MS Excel Project Plan template

🛡️ 2. Risk, Governance & Operational Control

These registers form the “engine room” of project health management, shifting risk mitigation from reactive to predictive.

  • Comprehensive RAID Log & Tracker
    • Focus: Integrated visibility over Risks, Actions, Issues, and Dependencies, alongside change requests and supplier impacts.
    • Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx featuring self-populating chart dashboards).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Operational Tracking Tools
  • Agile Story Dependency Tracker
  • RACI Matrix
    • Focus: Mapping roles and responsibilities across project deliverables (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed).
    • Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Folder Structure & Guide
Example MS Excel RACI matrix template
Example MS Excel RACI matrix template

📊 3. Performance reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

Designed to eliminate subjective performance analysis and maintain executive-level clarity.

  • Weekly / Monthly Project Status Report
    • Focus: Summarizing target completion, look-aheads, RAG indicators, and critical decisions for clients.
    • Format: Microsoft Word (.doc) & Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Premium Delivery Page
  • Stakeholder Analysis & Influence Matrix
    • Focus: Mapping stakeholder influence versus organizational impact to tailor communication (Involve, Inform, Consult, Monitor).
    • Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Folder Structure & Guide
  • Project / Programme Kick-Off Deck
    • Focus: Initial team mobilization, workspace onboarding, and client approach alignment.
    • Format: Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Main Purchase Index
Example PPT slide for Org. Structure
Example PPT slide for Org. Structure

💰 4. Financial Trackers & Value Realization

These artifacts manage fiscal discipline, pricing bids, and mapping long-term outputs to business outcomes.

  • Full Project Financial Tracker
    • Focus: Internal/external cost variance, forecasting models, contractor day rates, margin tracking, and expense visibility.
    • Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx with embedded financial trend charts).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Premium Delivery Page
  • Statement of Work (SOW) Templates
    • Focus: Work order structuring and delivery guardrails for both commercial Waterfall and Agile contracts.
    • Format: Microsoft Word (.doc).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Operational Tracking Tools
  • Benefits Realization Analysis Tracker
    • Focus: Comparing projected baseline targets with actual organizational outcomes post-deployment.
    • Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Premium Delivery Page
Example Excel Project Financial Tracker
Example Excel Project Financial Tracker

🏃 5. Agile Delivery Tools

Alternative visual logs created for environments where dedicated software like Jira or Azure DevOps is unavailable.

  • Agile Burn Down & Burn Up Charts
    • Focus: Visualizing sprint velocity, work remaining, and scope creep across iterative delivery cycles.
    • Format: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx with automatic mathematical plotting).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Folder Structure & Guide
  • MS Teams Planner & To-Do Guide
    • Focus: Step-by-step framework configuration for running Kanban-style card streams in the cloud.
    • Format: Microsoft Word Walkthrough (.docx).
    • Source Page: Mark Whitfield Master Index
Example Agile Scrum Burn Up Chart
Example Agile Scrum Burn Up Chart
Example Agile Scrum Burn Down Chart
Example Agile Scrum Burn Down Chart

PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile, features discussion

The choice between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile depends entirely on your project environment: PRINCE2 is best for highly structured, predictable projects with fixed requirements, while PRINCE2 Agile is designed for dynamic environments that require iterative delivery and flexibility.

Both methodologies are owned by PeopleCert and build upon the same core governance framework.

Core Differences

The table below breaks down how these two frameworks compare across key project dimensions:

PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile features
Comparison PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile features
PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile features

PRINCE2 Breakdown

Traditional PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured, process-based approach for project management. It provides a clear blueprint for roles, responsibilities, and management stages.

  • Fixed Targets: It fixes the project scope, time, and cost upfront to minimize risk.
  • The 7 Principles: It relies on universal principles, such as continued business justification and defined roles.
  • Management Stages: Projects are broken into distinct sections to review progress before moving forward.
  • Predictability: Ideal for large infrastructure, construction, or compliance-heavy projects where changes are costly.

PRINCE2 Agile Breakdown

PRINCE2 Agile does not replace traditional PRINCE2; instead, it wraps agile delivery methods around the existing PRINCE2 governance framework. It allows corporate management to maintain control while development teams use frameworks like Scrum or Kanban.

  • The Hexagon: It fixes time, cost, quality, and benefits, but makes scope and risk flexible.
  • Agile Integration: It introduces agile concepts like daily standups, burn charts, and retrospectives.
  • Maturity Tool: It uses the “Agilometer” to assess if a project is suitable for agile execution.
  • Speed to Market: Ideal for software development, creative industries, or any project requiring quick consumer feedback.

Which Certification Should You Choose?

  • Choose PRINCE2 if you work in a traditional industry, need to establish clear corporate governance, or manage projects with strictly defined outcomes.
  • Choose PRINCE2 Agile if you already work in an agile environment and need to add corporate structure, or if your organization is transitioning from waterfall to agile.

Mark Whitfield, May 2011 – Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner with ILX

Mark Whitfield May 2011, Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner with ILX

Project Templates Soft Storefront on Etsy

ProjectTemplatesSoft on Etsy is a highly rated, UK-based digital storefront specializing in professional-grade project management spreadsheets and presentation documents. Founded by Mark Whitfield, a veteran Senior Project Manager with over 30 years of delivery experience in IT and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), the shop bridge the gap between heavy enterprise software and simple, flexible spreadsheets.

Example POaP PPT and XLS plan project templates
Example POaP PPT and XLS plan
project templates (200+ in all)

The products are distinctively built around core professional methodologies including PRINCE2 Waterfall and Agile Scrum frameworks. A key differentiator for this storefront is its customer lifetime model: all template upgrades and functional versions are 100% free after a single purchase by contacting the seller directly. The tools are fully unlocked, editable, and act as a portable alternative for teams or clients without expensive Microsoft Project licensing.

Product Breakdown by Category Focus

📊 1. Schedule Planning & Waterfall Templates

These tools target timeline generation, resource distribution, and critical path management for traditional structured delivery.

  • Waterfall Project Planner & Cost Tracker: An advanced interactive timeline engine that acts as a localized alternative to MS Project. It allows teams to map out milestones while calculating live run-rate expenditures.
  • Plan on a Page (POaP) Blueprint: A high-level stakeholder alignment presentation tool crafted in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint designed to condense multi-layered delivery milestones into one scannable executive slide.
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Matrix: Structural templates built to parse complex client scopes into manageable, sequential project tasks.

🔄 2. Agile & Scrum Framework Toolkits

Tailored for modern software development environments executing iterative design, rapid deployments, and sprint-based task management.

  • Agile Scrum Master Pack: Complete tracking logs optimizing sprint velocities, backlog grooming sessions, and team capacity limits.
  • Sprint Burndown & Velocity Trackers: Automated graphical spreadsheets showing real-time target completions against literal daily sprint efforts.

📈 3. PMO Governance, RAID, & Operational Logs

Built for Programme Management Offices requiring cross-project transparency, strict risk mitigation, and central staff scheduling.

  • Central RAID Log: A classic, comprehensive spreadsheet designed to track project Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies under strict corporate governance standards.
  • Resource Absence & Sickness Tracker: A centralized planner for operations managers to log annual leave, sickness intervals, and alternative project allocations.
  • Project Team Kick-Off Decks: Professionally designed slide blueprints that outline scope definitions, stakeholder communication channels, and milestone objectives during initiation phases.

Essential Shop & Resource Hyperlinks

Mark Whitfield – Education and Professional Training Timeline Summary

Mark Whitfield is a Greater Manchester-based Senior IT Project and Engagement Manager.

With over 30 years in the IT and software development industry, he has continuously upskilled in project delivery, Agile methodologies, cloud platforms, and cyber security.

Mark Whitfield - Education and Professional Training Timeline Summary

Phase 1: Foundational Education

  • 1985 – 1988: Leigh College, UK
    • Focus: Computer Science and Biology (‘A’ Levels)
  • 1988 – 1990: University of Greater Manchester (formerly Bolton Institute of Higher Education, BIHE)
    • Focus: Higher National Diploma (HND) in Computer Studies (Graduated with Distinction; First overall in the year)
    • Key Modules: System Analysis, Programming Methodology, Database Architecture, and Business Information Systems

Phase 2: Project Management & Professional Training

  • 2000 – 2006: Industry Integration & Early Methodologies
    • Focus: Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), Agile, Sales, and early project management
    • Courses/Certifications: Sales and Marketing (In-house Outsource, 2001), Web Services and SOA (Insider Technologies, 2005), PRINCE2 Foundation (2006), Designing Good Marketing Literature (SkillPath Seminars, 2006)
  • 2009: Digital & Communications
    • Focus: Digital marketing and content
    • Courses: Writing for the Web, and Website Promotion and Visibility by Design (iTrain Education)
  • 2011: Structured Frameworks
    • Focus: Formal project frameworks and delivery methodologies
    • Courses/Certifications: PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner (ILX Group), Agile Scrum (RADTAC)
  • 2012: Operational Management
    • Focus: Service management best practices
    • Courses/Certifications: ITIL Foundation

Phase 3: Advanced Engagement & Enterprise Training

  • 2017 – 2019: Capgemini Engagement & Compliance
    • Focus: High-level engagement management and corporate governance
    • Courses/Certifications: Advanced Engagement Management Certification (Level 2), Group Anti-Corruption, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Training
  • 2022: Cloud Modernization
    • Focus: Enterprise cloud computing fundamentals
    • Courses/Certifications: AZ-900 Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals

For more granular details on his certifications and career history, you can check Mark Whitfield Professional Training.

Over 200 editable templates for both Agile & Waterfall / PRINCE2 frameworks

Mark Whitfield’s Project Management (PM) methodology relies on over 200 editable templates tailored for both Agile Scrum and Waterfall / PRINCE2 frameworks. Developed over 24 years of IT and digital delivery, the toolkit focuses on high-level reporting, rigorous risk control, and visual tracking to align teams with corporate governance.

Over 200 editable templates for both Agile & Waterfall / PRINCE2 frameworks
An example of many Plan On a Page
(POAP) templates

Templates by Category and Methodology

1. Detailed Planning & Scheduling

  • Methodology: Mapped to the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for both sequential Waterfall phases and iterative Agile sprints.
  • Templates:
    • Microsoft Project (MPP): Fully loaded schedules detailing project inception, elaboration, construction, and transition.
    • Excel Detailed Plans: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) mapped to sequential and date-driven task management with built-in RAG (Red/Amber/Green) status indicators.

2. Visual Reporting & Execution (Plan on a Page)

  • Methodology: Focuses on structural, executive communication to prevent scope creep and keep stakeholders aligned.
  • Templates:
    • POaP (Plan on a Page): High-level visual summaries designed for client presentations and quick-glance milestone tracking in Excel and PowerPoint.
    • Burn-up / Burn-down Charts: Visual tracking metrics used in Agile Sprints to show progress towards delivery goals.

3. Risk & Governance Control

  • Methodology: Built on strict risk/action tracking and regular lessons learned to manage uncertainty throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Templates:
    • RAID Log: Centralized Excel trackers recording Risks, Actions, Issues, and Dependencies.
    • Change Requests/Decisions Log: Supplementary tabs within the RAID register to strictly manage scope changes and project governance.

4. Financial Trackers

  • Methodology: Ensures project adherence to contracted margins, tracking both internal/external costs and resource efforts.
  • Templates:
    • Budget & Resource Trackers: Spreadsheets for forecasting versus actual expenses, variance calculations, expense reporting, and margin tracking with pivot-table readiness.

5. Team RACI & Status Reporting

  • Methodology: Clearly defines stakeholder roles and communication frequencies (weekly/monthly) to ensure continuous monitoring and control.
  • Templates:
    • RACI Matrix: A mapping tool defining who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed.
    • Weekly Status Reports: Word/Excel templates detailing internal and external project health, current milestones, and upcoming sprints.

To explore the entire toolkit, you can visit the Mark Whitfield PROject Templates portal.

Project Plan on a Page (POAP) is a Concise, Visual Summary of a Project

A Project Plan on a Page (POAP) is a concise, visual summary of a project’s objectives, timeline, milestones, and risks. Its primary purpose is to provide an instant, high-level overview for stakeholders and executives, ensuring alignment without overwhelming them with low-level details.

3. Project Plan on a Page (POAP) is a Concise, Visual Summary of a Project
4. Project Plan on a Page (POAP) is a Concise, Visual Summary of a Project
1. Project POAP by Mark Whitfield, Plan on a Page
1. Project POAP by Mark Whitfield, Plan on a Page
Mark Whitfield POAP examples, 35+ in all

Best Structure for a POAP

An effective POAP eliminates excessive task lists in favor of a clean, scannable layout organized into these key sections:

  • Project Overview: Title, Project Manager, and the overarching “Why” or business objective.
  • Timeline & Milestones: A horizontal, time-phased bar chart mapping the project’s key phases (e.g., Initiation, Beta Launch, Go-Live).
  • Key Deliverables: 4 to 6 major outputs or goals required to consider the project a success.
  • Risks & Dependencies: Critical blockers or assumptions that require management attention.

Examples & Templates for Download

Because POAPs are highly visual, they are most effectively built in Excel (for data and dates) or PowerPoint (for visual presentation).

  • Excel/PowerPoint Templates: You can download ready-made POAP layouts via Titanium Consulting or Mark Whitfield Consulting to generate professional visual graphics.
  • Word/Spreadsheet Variations: For simpler initiatives, you can access the 1-page summary templates available through Smartsheet’s Project Plan Templates.
  • Automated Software: If you already track complex projects in MS Project, Excel, or Primavera, automation tools like SummaryPro can automatically ingest your detailed schedule and spit out an accurate POAP.

Mark Whitfield PM – Website & Blog focus areas

The blog posts by Mark Whitfield, a Senior IT Project and Engagement Manager, primarily focus on practical project management (PM) frameworks, methodology implementation, and digital delivery execution.

Mark Whitfield PM - Website and Blog focus areas

Hosted on his platform, PROject Templates, the blog acts as an extension of his 30+ year career transitioning from mainframe engineering to leading large-scale Agile and Waterfall digital transformations.

Blog Overview and Key Topics

The core purpose of the blog is to guide project professionals through real-world deployment challenges while showcasing an ecosystem of over 200 editable Microsoft Office templates.

The main content focus areas include:

  • Framework Implementation: In-depth overviews on aligning project lifecycles with PRINCE2 (7th Edition), Agile Scrum, and Kanban methodologies.
  • Detailed Project Planning: Actionable steps for setting up Software Development Life Cycles (SDLC), defining dependencies, establishing milestones, and handling project baselines.
  • Operational Checklists: Daily, highly practical guides tailored for specific team roles, such as his “Daily Checklist for Scrum Masters”.
  • Risk and Governance Control: Best practices on organizing and managing RAIDs logs (Risks, Actions, Issues, Dependencies), change requests, and corporate project governance.
  • High-Level Reporting: Frameworks for structural communication with stakeholders, utilizing Plan on a Page (POaP) examples, dashboard designs, and financial budget tracking templates.
  • Digital & Cloud Delivery Lessons: Real-world insights drawn from his corporate and public sector experiences, covering topics like middleware architecture deployments and hybrid cloud application refactoring.

PRINCE2 and Waterfall, an Overview and Comparison

PRINCE2 is a structured project management framework, whereas Waterfall is a linear-sequential software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodology. While people often compare them, they are not mutually exclusive. PRINCE2 tells you how to manage a project, while Waterfall defines how to build the product.

PRINCE2 & Waterfall Overview and Comparison
PRINCE2 & Waterfall –
Overview and Comparison

Here is a detailed overview and comparison of both.

Overview of PRINCE2

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based method for effective project management. It provides a highly structured framework that focuses on business justification and clear roles.

  • Core Logic: Divided into 7 Principles, 7 Themes, and 7 Processes.
  • Structure: Focuses on high-level management, governance, and organization.
  • Flexibility: Product-based planning allows it to wrap around any delivery method.
  • Roles: Explicitly defines responsibilities (Project Board, Project Manager, Team Manager).

Overview of Waterfall

Waterfall is a traditional development methodology where a project moves sequentially through distinct phases. Each phase must be completed before the next one begins.

  • Core Logic: Requirements → Design → Implementation → Verification → Maintenance.
  • Structure: Linear, rigid, and heavily reliant on early stage documentation.
  • Flexibility: Extremely low; changes to requirements are costly once development begins.
  • Roles: Focuses on execution roles (Business Analysts, Developers, QA Testers).

Key Structural Differences

PRINCE2 and Waterfall, an Overview and Comparison
PRINCE2 and Waterfall, an Overview and Comparison

How They Work Together

PRINCE2 is frequently used to govern Waterfall projects.

  • The Management Layer: The Project Board uses PRINCE2 to manage budgets, risks, and business justification.
  • The Specialist Layer: The technical team uses Waterfall to execute work packages (e.g., designing, coding, testing).

Which One Should You Choose?

  • Choose PRINCE2 if: You need robust corporate governance, clear stakeholder accountability, and a way to manage high-budget, high-risk projects.
  • Choose Waterfall if: Your product requirements are completely fixed, the technology is well-understood, and the physical architecture cannot be easily changed (e.g., construction).