The PMBOK® Guide (A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge - PMBOK® Guide) is the most comprehensive and globally accepted standardized body of knowledge in the field of project management, published by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
PMBOK® Guide - Project Management Body of Knowledge
This guide, first published in 1996, was developed to systematize the project management profession, ensure unity of practice, and create a common language. It has been updated in parallel with the evolving industry needs and changes in practices over time, and the seventh and most recent edition was published in 2021. This edition was prepared by the PMI Standards and Publications Committee and provides a flexible, principles-based framework to help organizations achieve their strategic goals.
Unlike previous editions, the PMBOK Guide - Seventh Edition has moved away from the traditional process group model and replaced it with a contingency-based, principle- and performance-oriented structure. This transformation was undertaken to better adapt to changing and complex project environments. Now in its seventh edition, the guide systematically presents the key concepts, principles, domains, and value-oriented management approaches used in project management. The main purpose of the Guide is to provide project managers, teams, and relevant stakeholders with a universal framework for managing projects effectively, efficiently, and success-oriented.
PMBOK® Guide (7th Edition) - (Source: PMI)
Structure and Scope of the PMBOK Guide
Unlike previous editions, the Seventh Edition of the PMBOK Guide has shifted from a process-oriented to a principle-oriented structure. This new approach adopts a value creation-oriented management approach that is appropriate to the context and organizational structure of not only the processes but also the project. The Guide consists of two main parts:
1. The Standard for Project Management:This section defines the universal core principles of project management. These principles are universally applicable regardless of organization type, industry,or project type. The principle-based structure allows project managers to make more flexible and situation-oriented decisions in complex environments.
2. Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: This section contains practical guidance. The guide defines project management performance areas, delivery approaches (e.g., waterfall, agile, hybrid), systems thinking, and project environments. The Guidelines section details 8 Performance Areas and 12 Core Principles.
Key Features of the PMBOK Guide
Principle-Based Approach: In the seventh edition of the Guide, the previous process-based structure has been replaced by 12 core principles. These principles include concepts such as teamwork, stakeholder engagement, value delivery, systems thinking, leadership, and adaptability.
Performance Areas: The 8 performance domains (e.g., Stakeholders, Team, Lifecycle and Development Approaches, Planning, Delivery, Measurement, etc.) in the Guide have been identified to guide and evaluate project performance.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Rather than presenting a fixed and uniform implementation model, the Guidelines propose principles and practices that can be differentiated and customized to suit the project context. This supports both traditional waterfall approaches as well as agile and hybrid approaches.
Value Orientation: The PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition recommends that projects be evaluated not only in terms of classical boundaries such as time, cost, and scope, but also in terms of the value they deliver to the organization. Value orientation aims to ensure that the project produces outputs that are fit for purpose and meet stakeholder expectations.
Importance and Use of the PMBOK Guide
The PMBOK Guide is widely referenced globally for setting professional standards in project management. It forms the basis of professional certification programs offered by PMI, such as PMP® (Project Management Professional). It also has a wide range of uses, from private to public, non-profit to international organizations.
The Guide is based on the contingency principle to help project managers make flexible decisions appropriate to the organizational context. In this respect, the PMBOK Guide is not only a process breakdown but also a system of strategic thinking.
