Processes overlap and interact throughout a project or phase. Processes are described in terms of:

Inputs (documents, plans, designs, etc.) Tools and Techniques (mechanisms applied to inputs) Outputs (documents, products, etc.)

The nine knowledge areas are:

1. Project Integration Management.
2. Project Scope Management,
3. Project Time Management,
4. Project Cost Management,
5. Project Quality Management,
6. Project Human Resource Management,
7. Project Communications Management,
8. Project Risk Management, and
9. Project Procurement Management.

Each knowledge area contains some or all of the project management processes. For example, Project Procurement Management includes:

1. Plan Purchases and Acquisitions
2. Plan Contracting
3. Request Seller Responses
4. Select Sellers
5. Contract Administration
6. Contract Closure

Although much of PMBOK is unique to project management, some areas overlap with other management disciplines. General management also includes planning, organizing, staffing, executing, and controlling the operations of an organization. Financial forecasting, organizational behavior, and planning techniques also are integral to project management.

Of course, the most important skill for successful project management is communications. Project managers are expected to be in near-continuous communication with all stakeholders.


CAPM and PMP

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the publisher of PMBOK and offers two levels of certification:

1. A Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) has demonstrated a common base of knowledge and terms in the field of project management. It requires either 1500 hours of work on a project team or 23 contact hours of formal education in project management.
2. A Project Management Professional (PMP) has met specific education and experience requirements, has agreed to adhere to a code of professional conduct and has passed an examination designed to objectively assess and measure project management knowledge. In addition, a PMP must satisfy continuing certification requirements or lose the certification.

As of 2006, PMI reported over 220,000 members and about 200,000 Project Management Professionals (PMPs) in 175 countries. Over 40,000 PMP certifications expire annually. A PMP must document ongoing project management experience and education every three years to keep their certification current.