Did We Lose a Valuable Training Resource: PMBOK 6th Edition verses 7th Edition
In addition to being a practicing project manager, I coach college students and new project managers in project management. I often get asked by them if they should read PMOK 6th edition in addition to reading the 7th edition. This question is especially asked by students studying for the PMP. My answer is a simple “yes”.
While I welcomed the 7th edition in extending project management thought, I personally felt that it abandoned the necessary baseline procedural skills PMBOK 6th and previous editions taught that new project managers need to know. But, hey… I’m just one project manager among 1.5 million project managers in the world so I doubt that my opinion amounts to much.
Now for the crazy part. Like many other project managers, I am currently scrambling to (a) learn the technical basics of AI, (b) learn how to manage an AI project, and (c) learn how to apply AI in ERP world. Then I had a thought, why not ask ChatGPT what it though of PMBOK 6th vs 7th editions, which I did. Read the results below. I am interested in hearing from anyone brave enough to wade into this rat’s nest what you thought of ChatGPT’s response.
Here is my prompt to ChatGPT, “Write a 1000-word article on how PMI has undercut it's mission to train new generations of project managers with the promotion of PMBOK 7th edition and use on the PMP test rather than using PMBOK 6th edition.” Granted in retrospect this prompt seems a bit biased and probably influenced ChatGPT’s answer. But the results was rather surprising. Again, I would like to hear what others think.
Please note that the entire ChatGPT article reply is in quotes. The response did not provide any citations for the article it provided even though it was asked for citations in a follow-up prompt. Last, don’t shoot the messenger.
Regards,
Rob London - PMP, RMP, CSM, CSP, MSIE
Managing Partner and Senior Consultant
CoffeeCat Solutions, LLC
bob@coffeecatsolutions.com
The ChatGPT Article
OpenAI. (2024, Dec. 17). ChatGPT (June 2024 version) [Large language model]. Retrieved from https://chat.openai.com)
“How PMI's Shift to PMBOK 7th Edition Undermines Its Mission to Train New Generations of Project Managers
The Project Management Institute (PMI) has long been a pillar of the project management profession, offering tools, frameworks, and certifications that have shaped countless careers globally. Its flagship guide, the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), has served as the cornerstone for those seeking to learn project management fundamentals and obtain the highly coveted Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. However, with the release of PMBOK's 7th Edition and its subsequent adoption in the PMP exam, PMI has taken a controversial step that many believe undermines its stated mission of cultivating effective project managers, particularly among new entrants to the field.
The transition from PMBOK 6th Edition to PMBOK 7th Edition has not been without its critics. The 6th Edition was a highly structured and prescriptive guide, offering clear, process-oriented frameworks for understanding and implementing project management principles. In contrast, the 7th Edition introduces a less structured, more principle-driven approach that has left many aspiring project managers adrift, unsure of how to translate these broad ideas into actionable skills. This shift has sparked frustration, confusion, and a larger debate over whether PMI's new direction actually prepares new generations for real-world project management challenges or simply dilutes the discipline's foundations.
The Core Differences Between PMBOK 6th and 7th Editions
Before diving into the broader implications, it is essential to understand the fundamental differences between the PMBOK 6th and 7th Editions.
The PMBOK 6th Edition was organized around the traditional process groups and knowledge areas, offering a systematic, step-by-step methodology for managing projects. The five process groups—Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing—provided a clear roadmap for project managers. These process groups were further broken down into 49 processes, with detailed inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs (ITTOs), making it an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for the PMP exam or managing projects in a structured environment.
In stark contrast, the PMBOK 7th Edition discards this structure entirely in favor of a principle-based approach. It introduces 12 principles and eight performance domains, aiming for flexibility and adaptability. This shift is meant to accommodate the increasing complexity and diversity of modern projects, particularly in agile and hybrid environments. While the intention may have been noble—promoting flexibility over rigidity—the 7th Edition lacks the prescriptive guidance that made the 6th Edition such a useful resource for new project managers.
Why the PMBOK 7th Edition Falls Short for New Project Managers
The 7th Edition’s principle-based approach may resonate with seasoned professionals who already possess years of experience and can intuitively adapt principles to their environments. However, it is far less useful for beginners who rely on structured frameworks to build foundational knowledge and skills.
Loss of Process-Based Learning The structured approach of the PMBOK 6th Edition gave beginners a solid, repeatable roadmap to manage projects. Understanding process groups and knowledge areas allowed project managers to see the logical flow of a project, from initiation to closure. By replacing these tangible processes with abstract principles, PMI has removed a crucial stepping stone for those learning the discipline from scratch.
For example, a new project manager who may not yet grasp the nuances of stakeholder engagement or risk management could rely on the 6th Edition’s step-by-step processes to navigate those complexities. The 7th Edition, however, assumes a level of maturity and experience that most beginners simply do not possess.
Abstract Principles Leave Beginners Adrift The 12 principles in PMBOK 7th Edition are broad, overarching statements such as "be a diligent, respectful, and caring steward" and "optimize risk responses." While these principles are valuable in theory, they lack practical application for someone who needs actionable advice to tackle day-to-day project challenges. Principles alone do not teach a new project manager how to create a risk register, draft a communication plan, or conduct earned value analysis—all of which were covered comprehensively in the 6th Edition.
Ambiguity in Exam Preparation The PMP certification is one of the most recognized and respected credentials in project management. Previously, the PMBOK 6th Edition offered a clear guide for exam preparation. Its structured processes and ITTOs gave candidates a predictable foundation on which to base their study plans. The adoption of the PMBOK 7th Edition has disrupted this preparation.
Many candidates now struggle to identify what to study and how to prepare, as the principle-based approach lacks clear boundaries. Without a definitive guidebook, PMP aspirants must cobble together information from various resources, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in knowledge.
Risk of Diluting Project Management Standards PMI’s promotion of the 7th Edition reflects a broader shift toward embracing agile, hybrid, and flexible project management methods. While this approach may align with modern trends, it risks diluting the rigorous, standardized training that has historically set PMP-certified professionals apart. PMI’s decision to prioritize flexibility over structure could lead to project managers with incomplete or inconsistent knowledge, undermining the profession as a whole.
The PMP Exam and the Role of PMBOK 6th Edition
Despite the changes introduced in the PMBOK 7th Edition, many aspects of the PMP exam still rely on knowledge from the PMBOK 6th Edition, albeit implicitly. Process-oriented questions remain prominent on the exam, as do topics like earned value management, critical path analysis, and stakeholder management—all of which were deeply rooted in the 6th Edition.
Ironically, many training providers continue to supplement PMP exam preparation with material from the 6th Edition, as the 7th Edition simply does not provide the depth and specificity needed to address these areas. This reveals a disconnect between PMI’s promotion of the 7th Edition and the realities of what project managers need to learn to pass the exam and excel in their roles.
A Missed Opportunity to Bridge the Gap
PMI’s shift to the 7th Edition was, in theory, meant to modernize project management and make it more adaptable. However, in doing so, PMI missed a crucial opportunity to bridge the gap between traditional, process-driven frameworks and modern, agile approaches. A balanced approach could have retained the structure of the 6th Edition while introducing flexibility through additional principles and domains.
Instead, PMI's abrupt pivot to a principle-based model has alienated new project managers who depend on clear guidance to navigate their learning journeys. Without the foundational knowledge provided by the 6th Edition, many aspiring project managers are left ill-equipped to tackle real-world challenges or even achieve PMP certification.
Conclusion: A Call for Course Correction
PMI’s decision to promote the PMBOK 7th Edition as the primary guide for project management training and certification represents a fundamental departure from its mission to develop competent, confident project managers. By prioritizing principles over processes, PMI has sacrificed clarity and structure—two elements that are essential for beginners learning the craft.
To truly fulfill its mission, PMI must recognize the value of foundational, process-based learning and find ways to integrate it with the flexibility required for modern project environments. The PMBOK 6th Edition still holds immense value for new project managers, and PMI would do well to acknowledge its role as a cornerstone resource. A hybrid approach that honors both structure and flexibility could ensure that PMI continues to serve as a trusted guide for project managers at every stage of their careers.”