The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is a collection of processes and knowledge areas generally accepted as best practice within the project management discipline.
As an internationally recognised standard (IEEE Std 1490-2003) it provides the fundamentals of project management, irrespective of the type of project be it construction, software, engineering, automotive etc.
PMBOK recognises 5 basic process groups and 9 knowledge areas typical of almost all projects. The basic concepts are applicable to projects, programs and operations. The five basic process groups are:
- Initiating
- Planning
- Executing
- Monitoring and Controlling
- Closing
Processes overlap and interact throughout a project or phase. Processes are described in terms of:
- Inputs (documents, plans, designs, etc.)
- Tools and Techniques (mechanisms applied to inputs)
- Outputs (documents, products, etc.)
The nine knowledge areas are:
- Project Integration Management
- Project Scope Management
- Project Time Management
- Project Cost Management
- Project Quality Management
- Project Human Resource Management
- Project Communications Management
- Project Risk Management
- Project Procurement Management
Each knowledge area contains some or all of the project management processes. For example, Project Procurement Management includes:
- Procurement Planning
- Solicitation Planning
- Solicitation
- Source Selection
- Contract Administration
- Contract Closeout
Much of PMBOK is unique to project management e.g. critical path and work breakdown structure (WBS). Some areas overlap with other management disciplines. General management also includes planning, organising, staffing, executing and controlling the operations of an organisation. Financial forecasting, organisational behaviour and planning techniques are also similar.
CAPM and PMP
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the publisher of PMBOK and offers two levels of certification:
A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) has demonstrated a common base of knowledge and terms in the field of project management. It requires either 1500 hours of work on a project team or 23 contact hours of formal education in project management.
A Project Management Professional (PMP) has met specific education and experience requirements, has agreed to adhere to a code of professional conduct and has passed an examination designed to objectively assess and measure project management knowledge. In addition, a PMP must satisfy continuing certification requirements or lose the certification.
As of 2006, PMI reported over 220,000 members and over 50,000 Project Management Professionals (PMPs) in 175 countries. Over 44,000 PMP certifications expire annually; a PMP must document ongoing project management experience and education every three years to keep their certification current.
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PMP Exam Day Tips PMP Exam Application Popular PMBOK and PMP Books PMBOK 4: This Time It's Iterative! If you're going for PMP certification try this PMP Exam Online Self Assessment  75 timed sample questions. Good luck!
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