The PMBOK9(r) Guide – Fourth Edition continues the tradition of excellence in project management with a standard that is even easier to understand and implement, with improved consistency and greater clarification.
The good: By studying just this book and the free online tests, you can pass the PMP test (I did). For an experienced PM, the definitions and calculations are not difficult to learn (learn = memorize).
The bad: Much of PMBOK deals with process input, tools, techniques, and outputs. The organization of these makes them extremely difficult to learn. There is no overall construct that integrates them and brings them all together to make them easy to learn. My understanding is that some paid courses organize these better than the PMBOK and provide either mnemonic devices and/or better diagrams / charts.
My strategy:
- Read the PMBOK.
- Underline definitions, key words, and input, tools, techniques, and outputs.
- Memorize the underlined info.
- Practice the calculations.
- Take the online tests. Refer to references in the answers as needed.
- Iterate the above steps until I got 80% or more on the online tests.
For an experienced PM, few concepts in the book will be unknown. It is a matter of making sure you know the PMBOK specifics for the test.
- Standard language has been incorporated throughout the document to aid reader understanding.
- New data flow diagrams clarify inputs and outputs for each process.
- Greater attention has been placed on how Knowledge Areas integrate in the context of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing process groups.
- Two new processes are featured: Identify Stakeholders and Collect Requirements.
Review of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge 4th edition
I used this book plus free online test questions and exams to pass the PMP exam so it can be done.The good: By studying just this book and the free online tests, you can pass the PMP test (I did). For an experienced PM, the definitions and calculations are not difficult to learn (learn = memorize).
The bad: Much of PMBOK deals with process input, tools, techniques, and outputs. The organization of these makes them extremely difficult to learn. There is no overall construct that integrates them and brings them all together to make them easy to learn. My understanding is that some paid courses organize these better than the PMBOK and provide either mnemonic devices and/or better diagrams / charts.
My strategy:
- Read the PMBOK.
- Underline definitions, key words, and input, tools, techniques, and outputs.
- Memorize the underlined info.
- Practice the calculations.
- Take the online tests. Refer to references in the answers as needed.
- Iterate the above steps until I got 80% or more on the online tests.
For an experienced PM, few concepts in the book will be unknown. It is a matter of making sure you know the PMBOK specifics for the test.
