Project Management Processes for a Project, describes the five

1.5 Areas of Expertise

Much of the knowledge and many of the tools and techniques for managing projects are unique to project management, such as work breakdown structures, critical path analysis, and earned value management. However, understanding and applying the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques, which are generally recognized as good practice, are not sufficient alone for effective project management. Effective project management requires that the project management team understand and use knowledge and skills from at least five areas of expertise: • The Project Management Body of Knowledge • Application area knowledge, standards, and regulations • Understanding the project environment • General management knowledge and skills • Interpersonal skills. Figure 1-2 illustrates the relationship among these five areas of expertise. Although they appear as discrete elements, they generally overlap; none can stand alone. Effective project teams integrate them into all aspects of their project. It is not necessary for every project team member to be an expert in all five areas. In fact, it is unlikely that any one person will have all the knowledge and skills needed for the project. However, it is important that the project management team has full knowledge of the PMBOK ® Guide and is conversant in the knowledge of the Project Management Body of Knowledge and the other four areas of management to effectively manage a project.

1.5.1 Project Management Body of Knowledge

The Project Management Body of Knowledge describes knowledge unique to the project management field and that overlaps other management disciplines. Figure 1-2 shows the common areas of expertise needed by the project team. The PMBOK ® Guide is, therefore, a subset of the larger Project Management Body of Knowledge. The knowledge of project management described in the PMBOK ® Guide consists of: • Project life cycle definition Chapter 2 • Five Project Management Process Groups Chapter 3 • Nine Knowledge Areas Chapters 4-12. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK ® Guide Third Edition 12 2004 Project Management Institute, Four Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA