Track: Project Management
Abstract
PMBOK is a globally widely used guideline for project management. The release of the last version of this framework (the seventh edition) has been motivated by the rapid evolution of technology, new methodologies, swift market transitions, and significant transformations in the professional realm. The 7th edition has been revamped to accommodate these dynamic shifts, aiming to foster proactivity, innovation, and agility. It encompasses various development methodologies, from predictive to hybrid, and offers a dedicated section on customizing approaches and processes. The 7th edition further expands its toolkit by including the “Models, Methods, and Artifacts” segment, emphasizing project outcomes and deliverables. Another relevant change in this version is the transition from a hierarchical decomposition of PM knowledge to a comprehensive principles-based approach comprising eight performance domains: stakeholders, team, life-cycle, planning, project work, delivery, measurement, and uncertainty.
In order to assess the structure and interrelationship between PMBOK 7th components, they are modeled, measured, and analyzed in this paper using the Social Network Analysis (SNA) tool. SNA is a technique that supports predicting the structure of an entity’s group using graph theory and mathematical indicators. The results confirmed that all PMBOK 7th components are linked in different intensity levels. This research seeks to be a management tool for project managers and organizational analysts, giving quantitative support for effective organizational design and implementation.