PMI has announced the release date of PMBOK seventh edition. In view of this, PMI is likely to release PMBOK Seventh Edition on 01 August 2021. It is important to realize that this change is a paradigm shift in The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) concepts. As a matter of fact, this new release of PMBOK is a major upgrade to previous versions of this standard. Moreover, knowledge areas and ITTOs would not be part of this new release. In fact, PMI has highlighted this in their webinars and other publications as well. Also, there are several questions concerning the new edition of PMBOK in everyone’s mind. So, what exactly has changed in PMBOK 7th edition? Hence, this blog post answers some important questions pertaining to the release of PMBOK seventh edition.

PMBOK Seventh Edition New Structure

PMBOK seventh edition has moved from a process-based approach to a principle-based approach. Therefore, the new edition of PMBOK gives importance to the delivery of project outcomes. The following paragraph enumerates salient aspects of the new structure.

• The 12 Project Management Principles replace the 49 Project Management Processes
• The 8 Project Performance Domains replace the 10 Project Management Knowledge Areas
• Models, Methods, and Artifacts replace Tools and Techniques
• A new section on tailoring.
• Applicable to all projects all the time
• Relevant to all project team members.
• There is no change in the project environment. It continues to focus on internal and external influencers.

Another key point is that project management process groups and ITTOs will not be part of this new edition. However, these will be available through PMI’s digital publications like PMIstandards+.

PMBOK Seventh Edition & PMP Certification Exam

PMI in its FAQ states that the new PMP examination format released on 02 Jan 21 will continue to use PMBOK 6th edition as one of the references. Hence, presently the seventh edition of PMBOK does not impact the PMP certification examination format. Moreover, PMI also indicates that PMBOK 6th edition will be available for purchase throughout 2021.

Project Management Principles

The 12 project management principles are a set of statements that summarize the “What” and “Why” of the project management. Also, these principles guide the actions and behaviors of project practitioners. Moreover, these principles are independent of the development approach. Following is the list of twelve proposed project management principles

1. Stewardship: Be a diligent, respectful, and caring steward.
2. Team: Create a collaborative project team environment.
3. Stakeholders: Effectively engage with stakeholders.
4. Value: Focus on value.
5. Systems Thinking: Recognize, evaluate, and respond to system interactions.
6. Leadership: Demonstrate leadership behaviors.
7. Tailoring: Tailor based on context.
8. Quality: Build quality into processes and deliverables
9. Complexity: Navigate complexity.
10. Risk: Optimize risk responses.
11. Adaptability & Resilience: Embrace adaptability and resiliency.
12. Change: Enable change to achieve the envisioned future state.

Project Performance Domains

The project performance domains are a group of related activities that are critical for the effective delivery of project outcomes. Following is the list of eight project performance domains.

1. Stakeholder
2. Team
3. Development approach & Life cycle
4. Planning
5. Project Work
6. Delivery
7. Measurement
8. Uncertainty

Models, Methods, and Artifacts

It provides a brief description and maps each model, method, and artifact to one or more of the project performance domains where it might be most useful. The following paragraphs briefly describe each term.

Model

A model describes a thinking strategy to explain a process, framework, or phenomenon. E.g. Project Management Process Groups.

Method

A method is a means for achieving an outcome, result, or project deliverable. E.g. Lessons Learned.

Artifact

An artifact is a template, document, or project deliverable. E.g. Risk Register, Lessons Learned Register.

Also read: PMBOK 7th Edition Structure First Look

Tailoring

The tailoring section is completely revamped. Moreover, this section now has a process to guide users on the best possible ways to tailor processes for their specific needs. The following enumerates the tailoring approach.

1. Select Initial Development Approach. For e.g. Predictive, Adaptive, or Hybrid.
2. Modify based on organizational requirements. E.g. PMO, Governance
3. Adjustment based on size, criticality, and other factors.
4. Inspect and Adapt. Effeciency improvements, Lessons Learned.

PMBOK Seventh Edition Summary

In conclusion, the seventh edition of PMBOK is a major change as compared to its previous editions. The shift from a process-based approach to a principle-based approach that fits projects of all sizes and also different industries is a remarkable improvement. The new standard is not just for project managers but also for all project team members. Further, if you want to know more you may visit the PMI article.