Introduction

• Knowledge areas and process groups of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
• Characteristics of a project life cycle
• Essential project management skills

Deciphering the PMBOK® Guide Structure

Outlining the five process groups

• Initiating
• Planning
• Executing
• Monitoring and controlling
• Closing

Defining the nine knowledge areas

• Profiling each knowledge area
• Mapping the interrelationships of knowledge areas to process groups

The Initiating Processes

Relevant tools and techniques

• Project selection methods
• Authorising the project

Key concepts beyond the PMBOK® Guide : Third Edition

• Net present value (NPV)
• Internal rate of return (IRR)

The Planning Processes

Tools and techniques to study

• AOA and AON methods
• PDM, ADM and CDM diagrams
• Analogous, parametric, bottom-up and computerised estimating techniques
• CPM, PERT and GERT activity sequencing
• Work breakdown structure (WBS)
• Qualitative and quantitative risk analysis including EMV
• Benefit/cost analysis
• Decision trees
• Make-or-buy
• Contract type selection
• Benchmarking
• Flowcharting
• Reserve analysis
• The cost of quality (CoQ)

Significant inputs and outputs

• Activity lists and resource requirements
• Management plans for schedule, cost, risk and the project itself
• Historical information
• Expert judgement
• Recruitment practices
• Quality, risk response, communication and procurement management plans

Important planning concepts

• Organisational theory
• Design of experiments

The Executing Processes

Exam-relevant tools and techniques

• Quality audit
• Weighting systems
• Team-building activities
• Reward and recognition systems
• Performance reporting
• Virtual teams

Primary inputs and outputs

• Change requests
• Work results
• Proposals
• Contracts

Additional areas of study

• The stages of team development
• Motivational theories
• Conflict resolution techniques
• Communication theory
• The five levels of power

The Monitoring and Controlling Processes

Applicable tools and techniques

• Components of earned value analysis (EVA): PV, AC, EV
• Configuration management
• Subsidiary change control

The Closing Processes

Key concepts

• Formal acceptance and closure
• Project archives
• Types of closing

Prominent inputs and outputs

• Lessons learned
• Corrective actions

Planning for the Exam

Preparing for test day

• Gaining insight into the exam process
• Applying proven tips for exam success
• Conquering exam apprehension
• Rising to the exam challenge

Personalising your study plan

• Identifying your strengths and weaknesses
• Designing a plan that works for you
• Incorporating study tips for best results
• Optimising your study time and focus

Professional Responsibility and Ethics

• The PMI Code of Professional Conduct
• Balancing the interests of stakeholders
• Applying professional knowledge
• Doing the right thing at the right time