Focus on Praxis Framework: An integrated approach to Project, Programme & Portfolio Management
Quick summary: Praxis is an open-source, tailorable P3M framework that combines methodology, body of knowledge, competence and maturity — removing duplication and alignment issues when organisations use multiple frameworks.
Why a single framework matters
Organisations often run into the same problem: projects use one method, programmes use another, and the portfolio office uses a third. That fragmentation creates duplicate reporting, inconsistent terminology and extra governance overhead. Praxis addresses this by offering a single, integrated framework for projects, programmes and portfolios (P3M) — one source of truth that’s designed to be flexible, practical and community maintained.
What is the Praxis Framework?
Praxis is a free, open, and modular framework that combines four core elements:
- Body of knowledge — consolidated guidance on P3M practice.
- Methodology — templates, processes and roles that are tailorable to context.
- Competence framework — skills and roles definitions to assess and grow capability.
- Capability maturity model — a roadmap for improving organisational P3M maturity.
Key advantages of Praxis (and how they compare)
The principle advantage of Praxis certification over other certifications is cost. The full suite of Axelos products (PRINCE2, MSP, MoP, MoR, MoV, etc.) plus ongoing maintenance registration costs is in the region of $20,000. Praxis covers all these aspects, with Foundation level starting at AU$1800.
Below are the practical benefits organisations and PM professionals can expect when they adopt Praxis.
| Advantage | Why it matters | Comparison to other frameworks |
|---|---|---|
| Unified P3M | Single language across projects, programmes and portfolio reduces translation overhead. | PRINCE2 and PMBOK are project-focused; organisations often need extra mapping for programmes and portfolios. |
| Built-in competence & maturity | Capability growth is part of the framework — not an external add-on. | Many organisations use separate maturity or competency models which increases complexity. |
| Open source & cost-effective | No licensing fees; community contributions keep it current. | Proprietary frameworks or commercial methods can carry licence and certification costs. |
| Tailorable | Adopt only the elements you need; mix agile, lean or traditional approaches. | Purely prescriptive frameworks can be rigid or heavyweight for small/medium organisations. |
External Resources
Explore official guides and reference material for the Praxis Framework:
When Praxis is a great fit — and what to watch for
Praxis is especially helpful for organisations that need to consolidate tools and governance across delivery layers — for example, a PMO that manages portfolios while project teams use different delivery methods. That said, there are realistic considerations:
- Learning curve: Praxis is comprehensive. Start small and scale.
- Change management: You’ll need executive sponsorship and clear benefits mapping.
- Initial design effort: Tailoring Praxis responsibly requires a few pilot projects.
How to implement Praxis successfully
Here’s a practical roadmap you can follow:
- Assess current state: Map your existing frameworks, processes and tools.
- Check maturity level: Try out the Praxis Maturity Matrix
- Secure sponsorship: Align Praxis adoption with strategic objectives and benefits.
- Train people: Foundation training for all, Practitioner for leads and PMO staff.
- Pilot & measure: Run a controlled pilot, measure time saved, quality improvements and stakeholder feedback.
- Scale and mature: Use the Praxis maturity model and competence framework to grow capability over time.
- Personal Development Opportunities: Build competency into performance appraisals.
