Understanding the PMBOK^® Guide’s 7th Edition: a book review

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Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)^® – Book Review

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight on a cornerstone of project management literature – the Project Management Institute‘s PMBOK Guide. With the recent release of its 7th edition, we’ll uncover the substantial shifts it has made and the implications for project managers and the wider industry.

So, let’s delve into the heart of modern project management practices, guided by the updated PMBOK Guide.

In our introduction, we consider the significance of the PMBOK Guide’s latest edition. Since the first edition emerged in 1996, it’s been the go-to reference for project managers worldwide. But the 2021 edition is not just another iteration; it’s a game-changer. PMI has redefined its guide to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the field, making it an even more essential tool for today’s project managers. And while the PRINCE2 methodology has been a prominent player in the field, this new edition of the PMBOK Guide boldly incorporates some of the best elements of its closest rival.

Transitioning into the Standard for Project Management, the 7th edition maintains its linkage with the standard, which is divided into three pivotal components. The first part lays the groundwork with definitions of projects, programmes, and portfolios. The second focuses on the crucial role of delivering value within organisations. Lastly, the third part introduces 12 principles that act as beacons guiding project decisions and problem-solving.

As we look inside the PMBOK 7th Edition, we encounter a structure that is divided into four main sections and accompanied by five appendices. It opens with an introduction that aligns the guide with the standard. It then unfolds the innovative concept of the eight project performance domains, a move that marks a significant departure from its traditionally process-centric approach. The third section on tailoring offers insights into adapting project management practices to a project’s unique environmental needs. Finally, it presents a variety of models, methods, and artifacts, suggesting their effective use across different domains.

Shifting towards a more flexible approach, the guide embraces Iterative Lifecycles, acknowledging the growing significance of agile and iterative methodologies. This inclusion positions the PMBOK at the forefront of project management best practices, recognising iterative project life cycles as central to the discipline.

A paradigm shift is further evident in the move from Principles over Processes. Rather than dictating rigid processes, the 7th edition offers a set of 12 new principles, promoting flexibility and ethical alignment within the project management team across the eight performance domains. This fundamental change echoes the ethos of PRINCE2, which has long advocated for a principles-based framework.

The emphasis on outcomes and value represents a profound change in perspective, as the guide now focuses on the broader context of project delivery, closely aligning with the PRINCE2 methodology’s emphasis on business justification and the distinction between products (deliverables) and outcomes.

Although the guide has expanded in certain areas, it still presents limitations in detailing Project Management roles. While it outlines several functions associated with a project, it stops short of defining their specific responsibilities, offering parallels to the PRINCE2 framework but lacking in explicit role descriptions.

A noteworthy update is the removal of Process Groups, a decision that underscores the 7th edition’s departure from the confines of the traditional five process groups. This change facilitates a broader applicability to various project life cycles, including agile or hybrid models, and moves away from the detailed and intricate ITTO approach of the past.

The introduction of Project Performance Domains marks a significant shift from a process-centric to a principle-centric standard, comprising eight domains that encapsulate key activities essential for achieving project outcomes.

Delving into specific domains such as the Planning Performance Domain, we observe a move away from prescribing work breakdown structures for all projects. Instead, the guide recognises the value of iterative planning methods, like the use of epics and user stories, indicative of its commitment to accommodate diverse project life cycles.

The Measurement Performance Domain also mirrors PRINCE2’s approach by adopting concepts of tolerance and exceptions, indicative of the PMBOK’s integration of long-standing PRINCE2 concepts.

In the context of Tailoring, the guide underlines the importance of customising project management approaches to fit distinct project environments, resonating with the PRINCE2’s principle of tailoring and the avoidance of a one-size-fits-all methodology.

For our Final Thoughts, as a seasoned PRINCE2 trainer and an observer of PMBOK’s evolution, the 7th edition marks a significant departure from the repetitive and dense iterations of its predecessors. The latest edition is a breath of fresh air, acknowledging and integrating modern project management trends and best practices from PRINCE2. This edition stands as an indispensable resource for project managers, equipping them with the necessary tools and broadening their understanding of the project management landscape.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored the transformative 7th Edition of the PMBOK Guide. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!