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PMBOK® Guide changes in number of processes

Over the years, the number of the processes in the PMBOK® Guide has ranged between 39 and 47, if I am not mistaken. The largest number of processes is in the latest edition, published in 2013.
One will also notice that from one edition to another, a few processes are added, some are deleted, and a few possible move from one knowledge area to another or one process group to another. These changes and other information are the subject of a book on the PMBOK® Guide that I started about a year ago but have not had a chance to finish.

Is there a need for change?

Now, I am working on another book – a simulation of a sample project – and in this book, we use the processes and process groups along with a project life cycle model. As I work on this book, and reflect back on my experience and the workshops we deliver on the PMBOK® Guide, we realize the need to revisit the guide and its processes.

Splitting planning processes

We are not ready to discuss all the details at this time. However, the last three articles that we published addressed some of these points, in particular, in relation to planning. The first article addressed the need to split planning into two plans, the second article covered the ‘management planning processes’, and the third article covered the ‘detailed planning processes.

What else needs to change?

We believe that besides planning, there are other areas where a change can be useful. In this article we will not discuss the proposed changes since they would require extensive coverage and we may address in a series of articles in the future. For now, we will post an image of the proposed revised chart of processes. The image is preliminary and may result in more or less processes.
Please note we did not consider other knowledge areas at this time, although we think there is a need for at least one more knowledge area. Further, we are not including any domain specific knowledge areas, like safety, sustainability, or other topic.
Mounir Ajam Proposed Revisions to the PMBOK Guide Processes
In the above chart, the font colors and shading are explained on the bottom for clarity. The processes of the planning process group are highlighted in yellow or green to reflect the proposed split between management planning processes and detailed planning processes, which we covered in earlier articles.

Would you pursue PMP if the processes are like this?

We are not sure what you think about the above and want to hear from you.

  1. Do you agree, that the number of processes should grow? The number does not have to grow to 64 processes like what is proposed in the chart.
  2. Do you think we need more or less processes?
  3. Do you think there is a reason to keeping the number of processes in the 40’s?

Finally, the main question: do you think people will pursue the PMP if the number of processes is over, 50, 60, or even 70?
Waiting for your debate!
 
 


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