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A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge
Book

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge

Project Mgmt Inst., 2008 more...

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Editorial Rating

7

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  • Applicable

Recommendation

Volunteer committees at the Project Management Institute (PMI) created this guide to the processes involved in managing projects. Communication among clients, the project team and vendors is crucial to project management, so the book establishes a common vocabulary and a standard way of discussing a project. The book focuses on going from step to step with reliable coordination and smooth communication. Newcomers will find it helpful as they become conversant in the way professionals view and discuss project management. And, given that this is a standard work in the field, professionals are likely to regard it already as a reliable reference, including the useful process checklist. getAbstract applauds this manual’s solid utility for its targeted audience. It is even quite readable, though it is directed only to insiders.

Summary

What Is the Project Management Body of Knowledge?

Every profession has a range of knowledge, terms and practices that those involved know well. This manual of project management standards is intended to provide just such a professional framework. Every project is different, so no publication can furnish exact recipes, but a book can explain what constitutes good practices, which do not necessarily mean uniform practices.

First, a definition: A project is an undertaking of limited duration with the objective of producing specific “products, services or results.” Project managers use their “knowledge, skills, tools and techniques” to complete projects. Every project lives in a specific social, political and physical environment that can affect the choices you make as a manager. Your understanding of management and your interpersonal skills have a big impact.

Defining the Project Life Cycle

Projects have a beginning and an end, and follow a recognizable working pattern. Any given project goes through identifiable phases, each one requiring different inputs and producing different outputs. The initial phase begins with the project idea and team selection. ...

About the Author

This book was written with the assistance of many dozens of volunteers and is the product of the Project Management Institute.


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