What Is PMBOK in Project Management? Understanding PMBOK Methodology
What is PMBOK in project management?
PMBOK stands for Project Management Body of Knowledge, and it is the entire collection of processes, best practices, terminologies, and guidelines that are accepted as standard within the project management industry. PMBOK is considered valuable for companies as it helps them standardize practices across various departments, tailor processes to suit specific needs, and prevent project failures.
Because the body of knowledge is constantly growing as practitioners discover new methods or best practices, it must be regularly updated and disseminated. This is an effort that is overseen by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a global not-for-profit member association of project management professionals. You can find a more in-depth discussion on PMBOK in Wrike’s Project Management Guide.
When discussing the PMBOK definition, it’s important to understand how it frames the essentials of project management. You can find a more in-depth discussion on these essentials in Wrike’s Project Management Guide. With this guide (and our powerful work management software), you can ensure compliance with PMI standards while preparing for PMBOK certification and deepening your understanding of project management.
Find out how Wrike can help you optimize your project management processes today.
“If you work in project management, you have probably heard of the PMBOK. It’s pronounced ‘PIMBOK’ and stands for the Project Management Body of Knowledge.
The PMBOK is a compilation of the processes, best practices, terminologies, and guidelines accepted as standard practice within the project management industry. The PMBOK guide is written by a group of project managers, for project managers, and is overseen by the Project Management Institute.
The PMBOK is not a methodology or a step-by-step process for executing particular projects. It does not include every fact, although it is updated regularly. It is, however, considered the definitive guide to the topic, and therefore updated every few years. The sixth edition of the PMBOK was released in 2017.
The PMBOK is a valuable resource for project managers and companies alike. It helps companies standardize practices across departments, tailor processes, and prevent project failures.
It’s important to understand how the PMBOK is set up. The PMBOK is broken into two parts. The first part comprises basic information about project management in 13 chapters. The first three chapters of the PMBOK lay the groundwork. They deal with what a project is, how project management fits into business structure, how project management fits into process groups, and what knowledge project managers should have.
The remaining 10 chapters in part one of the PMBOK comprise the knowledge areas to practice. They include how to manage the project schedule, cost, risk, quality, scope, and how to integrate these areas.
Now, let’s look at part two of the PMBOK. The American National Standard Institute, or ANSI, has registered the PMBOK as a standard for the industry. So, part two deals with this area. It describes the process groups and processes within the PMBOK, including inputs, outputs, and benefits for each. PMBOK also has a formal review process, so part two includes information on this.
Finally, the PMBOK has a glossary, appendices, and an index that round out the gold standard for project management.
There are two main accreditations those working in the field can complete: the Certified Associate in Project Management, or CAPM, and Project Management Professional, or PMP courses, run by the Project Management Institute.
These courses can improve credibility for project management professionals and offer opportunities to increase their skills and advance their careers. Both these courses use the PMBOK.
For project managers, the PMBOK can serve as a reliable resource, help answer questions, and give projects direction. Project managers can rely on the PMBOK as they move from one position to another, bringing with them project management knowledge that can be applied in a variety of settings.
Finally, project managers should consult the latest edition of the PMBOK when they have a query, are embarking on a new project, or want to share their knowledge. If you are involved in the project management industry, you’ll want to make yourself familiar with the PMBOK. It’s a resource that can help you improve your project management.
Once you’ve learned from the PMBOK, you’ll need the right software. Wrike project management software offers user-friendly tools that can help your project succeed. Want to try out Wrike’s project management software for your team? Start a free two-week trial today.”
What is the PMBOK methodology?
PMBOK is technically not a methodology but rather an industry framework that incorporates best practices in project management. It is often associated with the Waterfall methodology, which aligns project stages in a sequential approach, but it is also compatible with newer methodologies such as Agile.
The PMI does not advocate for any particular methodology as the processes of PMBOK can be tailored to suit a variety of project management situations — managers select what they need for their respective companies, teams, and projects. By understanding the PMBOK project management definition, you gain insight into a structured framework that will help you decide the best approach for your own team.
What is the history of PMBOK?
The origins of PMBOK date back to 1969, when the PMI was founded with the aim of providing a forum for professionals to share information and discuss problems encountered in the project management field.
In 1984, the organization issued its first certification: the Project Management Professional (PMP). Forbes has described the PMP exam as “a crucial tool for prospective project managers to test and showcase their ability to perform their duties.” A PMBOK whitepaper was published in 1987, and an exposure draft of the PMBOK Guide followed in 1994.
Since then, project managers across the globe have embraced this established definition of PMBOK, meaning they can apply these principles more effectively on their teams, with the help of project management platforms such as Wrike.
What is the PMBOK Guide?
The PMBOK Guide is an instructional book that includes foundational standards, guidelines, and terminology to help industry professionals manage multiple projects. It breaks project management processes down into five PMBOK process groups, which can be incorporated into your choice of project methodology.
The first edition of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) was published by the PMI in 1996. It is now on its seventh edition, published in 2021, and is available in 10 languages.
PMBOK Guide — Seventh Edition
The PMBOK Guide — Seventh Edition addresses the demands posed by emerging technologies, new methodologies, and rapid market changes. According to PMI, this edition enhances your ability to be proactive and adaptable when managing projects.
What’s in the seventh edition?
- An insight into all project management approaches — predictive, traditional, adaptive, Agile, and hybrid
- Detailed advice on tailoring methodologies and project management processes to fit the unique constraints and requirements of your projects
- An expanded arsenal of tools and techniques, including a new section on “Models, Methods, and Artifacts” that empowers project teams to apply the most effective practices
- Additional resources through PMI standards, supporting the practical application of the PMBOK Guide principles in real-world scenarios
Enhance your project management practices with Wrike
Project management covers a lot of ground but it can be simplified with the right tools and methodologies — and this is where Wrike shines.
Using the PMBOK offers a structured approach that integrates seamlessly with Wrike’s flexible software. Our platform perfectly complements the PMBOK methodology, providing robust features to use alongside the seventh edition of the PMBOK Guide. Key features like customizable dashboards, time trackers, project templates, and automated workflows align with PMI standards to enhance project results. This synergy ensures you are equipped with everything you need to manage projects effectively, from initiation to closure.
Whether you are working towards PMBOK certification or looking to refine your project management skills, Wrike is the solution you need.
Further reading:
Artem Gurnov
Artem is a Director of Account Development at Wrike. He previously held the role of Project Manager, overseeing a team of customer success managers (CSMs). Over the years of building teams and scaling business processes, he has successfully deployed multiple projects, from automating client outreach to setting up work prioritization tools for sales reps and CSMs.