Get ready. Change is coming. But wait… it’s good change.
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I recently attended a Project Management Institute (PMI®) chapter meeting, and we were treated to a preview of the upcoming revisions to the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK®). The new version is expected to be released sometime early in 2021.
The coming changes are, in my opinion, a very positive (albeit a radical) shift for the PMI®. If you are a Project Manager and are curious to know what is going to change, continue reading to learn what will be new and improved in version 7 of the PMBOK.*
* Small caveat – this information is not yet published and is subject to change.
Why is the PMI® changing the PMBOK?
The PMI® clearly listened to the sentiment of its global membership. The organization recognizes that to stay relevant, a different approach is needed to enable future project success. While the current version of the PMBOK® (sixth edition) includes an Agile Practice Guide, it’s not well-integrated into the PMBOK®. This has always puzzled me. But from what I can tell, the seventh edition will remedy this problem, and make other major changes.
What are the major changes?
A flexible framework rather than prescriptive methodology
I absolutely love this first change. The PMI® realized that version 6 of the PMBOK® comes across as very prescriptive, and not very flexible. Their new approach switched this time around, enabling project leaders to be flexible in how they run a project.
Focus on outcomes rather than deliverables
This one is huge, too. For those of you who already use agile practices, delivering value has always been key. The shift in focus to outcomes is more in line with this type of thinking. What matters is not that you produced another widget -it’s what you can do with the widget.
No preference for any type of approach
The PMI® has, up until now, been primarily focused on traditional project management. When I sat for the PMI-PBA exam about three years ago, I expected there to be a more balanced approach. Unfortunately, I felt like the exam was about 90-95% based on traditional project management practices. I still passed with flying colors, but I was disappointed by the experience.
In the PMBOK® version 7, it is explicitly stated that there is no preference for the type of approach that is selected. I’m delighted by this decision. I have never been one to say that “agile is the only way” to do a project. In fact, I have always been a proponent of choosing the right approach (and the right tools) for the job, rather than trying to shove a square peg into a round hole.
PMI® will consider any of these approaches to be valid:
- Agile (aka adaptive or change-driven)
- Traditional (aka predictive, traditional, or plan-driven)
- Hybrid (some combination of the previous two)
For Project Managers who have earned a PMP® and have a long history of executing waterfall-style projects, this may come as quite a shock. My advice: go with it. Get comfortable with ambiguity. I know it’s hard, but you can do it.
Principles rather than processes
This is another pretty big departure. From what I gather, the processes will still exist (sort of), but the 12 principles will guide the “actions and behaviors” of project managers more than the processes. The PMI says that these new principles will express the “what and why of project management“.
Unfortunately, my sneak peek at the new PMBOK® version did not include all the new principles. That said, I liked the ones I did see, which were:
- Effective Engage with Stakeholders
- Focus on Value
- …
Performance Domains instead of Knowledge Areas
By switching from “Knowledge Areas” to “Performance Domains”, I’m not quite sure what is gained. To me, it just feels like a change in terminology. But maybe I’m wrong about this. The new Project Performance Domains include (some of these may sound familiar):
- Stakeholders
- Team
- Development Approach & Life Cycle
- Planning
- Project Work
- Delivery
- Measurement
- Uncertainty
More tools and techniques
The new version of the PMBOK® will contain more models, methods, and artifacts. The models and methods will be inputs to project performance, and artifacts and deliverables will be the outputs.
The ability to tailor an approach
In the upcoming PMBOK® update (aligned with the lack of a preferred approach), the PMI® provides the ability to tailor an approach. A Project Manager may pick and choose the most appropriate tools and create a custom, or hybrid, approach given the unique context of the project.
A new digital platform with more information
The PMI® has already launched what they are calling PMIStandards+ (an homage to Disney, perhaps?). The website includes new supplemental content that is aligned with the updated PMBOK®. And, the content is created and curated by recognized industry experts.
I glanced through some of the topics, and I think they will be timely and relevant as the world around us continues to change.
Just FYI: If you are a member of the PMI®, this library of content is available as a benefit of your membership. If you are not a member, there will be a cost of $8/mo. for access to the information.
How will this impact Project Management?
So, with the sea change that is coming with the new version of the PMBOK®, how will this impact the Project Management profession? Since it hasn’t been released yet, it’s hard to say. But, I do think this will send ripples around the world.
The PMI® very much wants to remain relevant, and with such a vast army of PMI® members and certification holders, I have no doubt that this will make a huge impact on the profession.
Now that you know what changes are coming if you are a Project Manager – what do you think about them? Do you feel this is a positive move forward by the PMI®, or are you nervous about the update? I would love to know what your thoughts are, so please share!
*NOTE: This information has not been officially published and is therefore subject to change…