What Is Project Management (PMBOK)?
In 1986, "A Guide to the Project Management Book of Knowledge" (PMBOK) was developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMBOK Guide documents generally agreed upon information and standards related to project management. According to the PMBOK Guide, project management is defined as the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. In short, project management is the planning, executing and controlling of project activities aimed at the fulfillment of project requirements.
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History
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Project management has been around for thousands of years. The first use of a systematic approach similar to today's project models can be traced back to 2550 B.C.E. when the Great Pyramid at Giza was constructed. In the 1950s, project management was formally developed as a discipline. PMI was created in 1969 to support the project management industry and its members.
Stages
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There are typically five stages in the project development process: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. During the initiation stage, the extent and type of the project is determined. A system that attempts to meet the requirements of the project charter is designed during the planning stage. Testing of the system is performed and the desired results should satisfy project requirements. In the execution stage, the outputs and activities outlined in the project management plan are carried out. Ongoing project activities are measured in the monitoring and controlling stage. This stage provides the project management team with feedback. Feedback identifies if the project's actions are in compliance with the project plan. The closing stage indicates the end of the project and all activities are finalized.
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Roles
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Project management teams carry out project objectives. Teams are composed of a project manager and a core team that reports to the project manager. The project manager is responsible for project planning, monitoring and control. The project manager is also charged with making sure the project meets or exceeds established project objectives while staying within budgetary and time constraints. The role of each member of the core team varies. Team and individual goals and responsibilities for each member are determined by the project manager.
Training
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PMI maintains a directory of registered education providers that offer project management training courses. The Institute also offers two- to four-day seminars aimed at expanding project management knowledge. Most project management learning, however, is gained during on-the-job training.
Credentials
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PMI offers five globally recognized credentials: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM), Program Management Professional (PgMP), PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) and PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP). The certifications offered were created to meet the needs of project management professionals at different experience levels.
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