The Project Management Body of Knowledge, often abbreviated PMBOK, is the primary methodology for the project management profession in the world today. Although several other sources exist, some of which are more prominent than the PMBOK in certain areas of the world, it is the industry leader.
The methodology includes 5 process groups and 10 knowledge areas.
Process Groups
Projects consist of five phases. Although they generally occur in chronological order, there are many instances where you might return, for example, from execution back to planning.
- Initiating
The tasks required to authorize, fund and define the project, generally on the organizational level (above the project). The organization defines a business need the project is meant to satisfy. - Planning
The project management team define how the project will be carried out, who will do the work, how long it will take, and so forth. The planning phase should define the project in sufficient detail that all stakeholders’ expectations are understood. - Execution
The project work is completed and the end product or service is achieved while secondary stakeholder requirements are satisfied. - Monitoring & Controlling
Concurrent to the project work (execution phase) the project management team monitors and controls all aspects of the project – schedule, cost, stakeholder’s requirements, etc. If any part causes problems, changes to the project plan are made. - Closing
The project has completed it’s product or service, and the project must be closed.
Knowledge Areas
Within each process group, one or more knowledge areas are consulted to deal with the project issues that arise. Although they can occur within any process group, the knowledge areas generally occur in well defined places.
- Project Integration Management
All the stuff that doesn’t fit in any other category, like developing the project management plan itself, making changes to the project, etc. - Project Scope Management
Scope is the work that is included in the project. It should be defined in the planning phase (i.e. the project management plan) and changes should be well defined. - Project Time Management
Creating, monitoring and enforcing the project schedule, milestones, and completion dates. - Project Cost Management
Estimating the project costs, and monitoring and controlling them throughout the project. - Project Quality Management
Determining the quality standards that apply to the project, and monitoring the quality of work produced. - Project Human Resource Management
Ascertaining the people requirements of the project, acquiring them, and developing them to ensure they produce the required results. - Project Communications Management
Establishing the communication needs of each stakeholder, and making sure they are involved to the required degree. - Project Risk Management
Figuring out who the biggest alligators under the bed are, and how to make sure you never see them. - Project Procurement Management
Hiring the outside consultants and contractors necessary to get the job done, and managing them. - Project Stakeholder Management
Identifying each stakeholder and making sure their needs are met.