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This blog post is part of a series that summarizes the 5th edition of the classic project manager’s handbook Project Planning, Scheduling & Control by James L. Lewis, Ph.D., the founder of the Lewis Institute, Inc.    I wanted to go through the book and take notes for my own use, but also in the hope that my summary would be of interest to both those already in the project management field or those who want to enter that field.

1.  Introduction–PMI

The Project Management Institute had 500,000 members in 2010, and continues to grow at 20% a year, an impressive statistic.

2.  PMBOK Guide–Processes and Knowledge Areas

The 5th edition of Dr. Lewis book is based on the 4th edition of the PMBOK® Guide.   I’m updating these notes to reflect the contents of the 5th Edition of the PMBOK® Guide, since I have in effect been reviewing it all year.   There are 47 project processes split into five process groups

• Initiating–authorization of a project
• Planning–identification of all the work that must be done; developing policies, procedures, and other documentation that define the project
• Executing–applying labor and materials to develop the product, service, or a result of the project
• Controlling–monitoring progress against the plan and taking whatever actions are necessary to keep the project on track (i.e., according to the project plan)
• Closing–formal acceptance of the product and documentation of activities throughout the life of the project

The 10 knowledge areas of project management are:

• Integration–ensures that all aspects of the project from the other 9 knowledge areas come together
• Scope–defines what is to be done in managing the project
• Time–scheduling the work
• Cost–estimation of resources needed to do the work
• Quality–completing the work according to the predetermined technical requirements
• HR–managing of HR (staffing, evaluating, motivating, etc.)
• Communications–determination what information needs to be sent to stakeholders
• Risk–you must manage risks on a project or they will manage you
• Procurement–materials or services that must be procured from outside sources
• Stakeholder (new for 5th Edition)–identifying stakeholders needs and expectations, and managing their engagement in the project

He finishes the chapter by mentioning that his Lewis Institute, Inc., is a Registered Education Provider (REP) for getting the PDUs or Professional Development Units you need to maintain your PMP certification once you get it.

That was the 36,000-foot view of the PMBOK® Guide!

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