2 Cents on the Draft of PMBOK 7th Edition

No! I am not exposing the draft version of PMBOK 7th Edition. If you want to peek on it, please log on to ed.pmi.org, but, I will share my 2 cents thought and opinion of the draft of PMBOK 7th Edition. The upcoming edition should be released sometime before the year 2022 (I think). So, spoiler alert. If you don't want to know what is coming in the PMBOK 7th edition, please exit now. If you proceed, please read it with a grain of salt.

Firstly, the upcoming PMBOK does not contain just 26 pages (in ISO: A4 size). There are much hidden from non-participated members until it released. The practice is similar to the current version, which the PMI only release the significant changes for review and comment. The apparent missing section is the Standard of Project Management. Similar to PMBOK 6th Edition Part 2, the Standard shall contain all the project management knowledge areas, process groups, and processes. If my previous post is real, then the Inputs, Tools, Techniques and Outputs (ITTOs) shall be no longer available in the new edition.

The Audience

The first thing I appreciated in the draft is that it mentioned the audience. For the past ten years, I always consider that the PMBOK is the bible for the project manager in case we need it (you know what I mean). However, project management has been evolved continuously to meet the need to achieve the project objectives, and it is no longer just serving the project manager but anyone participating in a project environment (quoted by the draft). The people including those who accountable, responsible, team members, PMO, sponsors, owners, leaders, governance, portfolio manager, programme manager, consultant, educators, students, and anyone involved in any aspect of the project delivery value chain (quoted by the draft).

Yup, the bible will no longer just serving the project management practitioner, but anyone in the project delivery and management ecosystem. The PMBOK will focus on delivering the foundational reference to anyone and any organisation, who thinks it benefits and values in achieving their vision and goals.

The Benefits and Values

Ah. Finally, the values and benefits are taking the driver and co-driver seat in the project delivery. Value has been mentioned in the book for a few editions, but yet, it was never fully integrated as part of the project management processes. In fact, I read the PMBOK for two reasons, one, to pass the PMBOK exam and second, to provide the training and coaching. The processes in the current and past PMBOK does not offer value in term for a project team to deliver project success. As quoted in the draft "Successful projects deliver that intended value". To be a success, the project team must able to realising sustainable benefits and creating meaningful values for the organisation and stakeholders.

This part is the most difficult for most project management practitioners and stakeholders — this required change of mindset.

"What makes the outcome beneficial, sustainable, valued and meaningful?"

The People in the Project

When I was a project noob, I dreamed of becoming a project manager. But after taking the PMP, I was in a dilemma. I was taught to be a project manager, but yet, I was told to be a leader. Since I got my PMP back in the year 2009, I seldom call myself the Project Manager. Depend on the project role, I will either called myself as the Project Leader or Project Facilitator.

World Economic Forum (WEF) also released the Job of Future in the year 2018. The report indicated that the project manager in most of the industries is a sunsetting job title. The reason is that in this 21st Century environment, project management skills exist in all roles, including the new one. All twelve project management knowledge areas' processes are AI capable except the EQ and the business part. That is why I support the new book defining the roles and responsibilities in the project and not just the Project Manager.

I am glad that I pick up my new focus in project management roles aligned to the upcoming book. The coaching in project management has been mentioned increasingly over the past editions. While project management practitioners are leading the team and organisation to unchartered territories with the VUCA environment, project coach plays a vital role in delivering values to the project success.

Product Management

Product is part of the project delivery. In fact, it is part of the project definition. Product management was briefly mentioned in a few editions but never integrated directly in the book. While the product in this context may also refer as service, but the product management and service management will not be the same. Not to mention the "result" which including knowledge, culture, etc. management. It will be interesting to see how the PMI to perform the balancing act in the book to integrate with the value delivery system within the programme and project management domains.

My take? It should mention all three (product, service and result) to cover all the definition of project and project management.

Principles in Project Delivery

Yes! The PMBOK is transformed from process-based standard to principles-based standard. There are twelve principles (No! there is no project management manifesto). My impression is that it is so a servant leadership-based principle. I am an advocate of servant leadership, I'm happy and celebrate it. But my concern to those who are not favourable, or practising other forms of leadership style. I wonder what their take on this is? Are you a servant leader? What is your opinion about practising servant leadership in your organisation or project? Please leave a comment below.

What I believe is valid in principles is to integrate the PMI code of ethics and professional conduct into it. If the scope and boundary of the principle including the people values, then the principles in project delivery should have the PMI code of ethics and professional conduct including Respect, Honesty, Fairness and Responsible. In the new book, it does cover a certain extent of ethics and professional conduct, but I am not sure if it covers enough aspects.

However, overall, I am pleased with the value that the future PMBOK is heading. I am glad that I am continually monitoring the progress of the PMBOK and able to create meaningful values for my personal development.

Are you review the draft too? What is your thought? Please share in the comment below. Thank you in advance.