Project management is critical to the success of any business venture. Regardless of industry, project managers have the skills and knowledge to help their organization deliver projects in an effective and efficient manner.
Strong project managers are still in high demand as a profession, which is why so many professionals are considering a Post Graduate Program in Project Management.
If you’re planning to take your PMP certification exam in 2021 or later, you’ll notice significant differences between PMBOK 7 and PMBOK 6. The PMBOK® (Project Management Body of Knowledge), published by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), provides comprehensive coverage of the exam’s required knowledge.
Since 1996, PMBOK has been the ideal companion for aspiring project managers preparing for the PMP certification exam. The most recent PMBOK edition, PMBOK 7, is scheduled to be released on August 1, 2021, and will include essential study material for aspiring project managers.
Here are the key differences between PMBOK 7 and PMBOK 6 to keep in mind as you prepare for the PMP exam.
Content of the PMBOK
The latest version of the PMBOK, due out this summer, includes a significant content overhaul over the PMBOK 6 edition. PMBOK 7 prioritizes performance over processes, reflecting shifting project management priorities.
PMBOK 6 PMBOK 6 covers the project environment, the project manager’s role, and the ten essential knowledge areas in project management.
Six Knowledge Areas of the PMBOK
Each knowledge area in PMBOK 6 is accompanied by processes, inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs. The ten project management knowledge areas defined in PMBOK 6 are as follows:
Integration entails putting in place the necessary procedures to complete the project’s tasks.
Scope – To better plan the project, document all project goals and deliverables, deadlines, and budgets.
Schedule – Maintain a consistent pace to complete the project within the timeframe specified.
Cost – Keep track of the project’s budget by estimating and allocating all associated costs.
Quality – Ensure that a high level of quality is maintained throughout the project.
Increase project efficiency by planning and scheduling the project’s resources.
Communications – Plan, manage and monitor communications to ensure that the appropriate people receive the appropriate messages.
Risk – Anticipating potential risks in order to better plan for their outcomes.
Procurement – Obtain all materials and services required to complete the project.
Stakeholder – Maintain stakeholder involvement throughout the project’s duration.
PMBOK 7th Edition
Tailoring, models, methods, and artifacts, as well as eight performance domains, are among the topics covered in PMBOK 7. There has been a significant shift from processes to performance.
The performance domains are concerned with overall outcomes rather than the processes and techniques employed during project execution. The significance of project quality is highlighted.
Tailoring (PMBOK 7)
Tailoring is a new framework introduced in PMBOK 7 that is based on the idea that a single approach may not allow project managers to meet project deliverables, organizational demands, and project needs.
Project tailoring encourages a project manager to adapt a project’s specs to meet all project requirements after a project manager has chosen an initial development approach.
Models, Methods, and Artifacts from the PMBOK 7
The new models, methods, and artifacts section in PMBOK 7 vs PMBOK 6 provides users with a plethora of resources such as articles, videos, and templates, all of which are linked to the performance domain in which they would be most useful. This is an excellent value for both aspiring and working project managers.
7 Performance Domains of the PMBOK
Earlier versions of the PMBOK focused on knowledge areas; the 7th edition replaces traditional knowledge areas with performance domains.
The eight performance domains summarize the related elements that are critical to the success of a project:
Team \sStakeholders
Planning for the Life Cycle
Uncertainty and ambiguity
Project Work on Delivery Performance
The new PMBOK performance domains are centered on providing value to the organization and its stakeholders through project delivery.
Project Management Principles
A second significant difference between PMBOK 7 and PMBOK 6 can be found in their distinct project management standards.
PMBOK 6th Edition
PMBOK 6 included five comprehensive domains for project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. These standards summarize the procedures that project managers must follow in order to complete a successful project.
PMBOK 7th Edition
These standards shift from project management processes to project delivery principles in the 7th edition of PMBOK.
Value Delivery System according to PMBOK 7
Previously, the PMI considered a project and its operations to be separate entities until the project was completed. The new Value Delivery System in PMBOK 7 integrates projects and operations to provide the best value to the business.
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Version 7
The seventh edition of the PMBOK replaces the five project domains of the sixth edition with 12 new project management standards:
Stakeholders in the Stewardship Team Value
Consideration of the Whole
Quality Complexity Tailoring Leadership
Threats and Opportunities
Adaptability and Resilience
Management of Change
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