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In each of these five primary process groups are defined by matrixing them against
what PMBOK® calls knowledge areas. Each knowledge area contains the detail of a
particular area of knowledge or skill that the primary processes need to function. The
knowledge area often contains skills, tools and techniques that cover more than one
process. There are nine knowledge areas:
When all of the knowledge areas are examined and described, the full meaning of each
of the primary processes appears. In fact, each knowledge area is defined as a set of
processes (with inputs, tools/techniques and outputs) and, by being defined this way,
gives the complete scope of each of the processes in the process group. This is best seen
by the overview of the matrix on p38 of the PMBOK®.
When the 9 knowledge areas (chapters 4 through 12) are matrixed with all of the 5
primary process groups, there are 39 sub-processes that are defined. The 39 sub-
processes are always numbered by the order they appear in the PMBOK® chapter that
discusses them. For instance the knowledge area of Initiation is numbered 5.1 as it is
discussed as the first process in Chapter 5 – Project Scope Management.
In each of the 5 primary process groups, each knowledge area that contributes to that
primary process does so by contributing a sub-process that is either a core sub-process to
the primary process or a facilitating sub-process to the primary process.
The Knowledge Area Chapters in PMBOK® – Chapters 4 – 12
Each of these chapters is presented in an identical format. The chapter begins with a
brief overview of each sub-process in the knowledge area. It then presents a more
detailed treatment of each specific sub-process. Each sub-process is presented in terms of
inputs, tools and techniques and outputs. For example, Chapter 4 – Project Integration
Management. There are three sub-processes:
4.1 Project Plan Development
4.2 Project Plan Execution
4.3 Integrated Change Control
Under each of these sub-processes you will find a discussion of the inputs, tools and
techniques and outputs for that sub-process. It will often be the case that the output from
the previous sub-process provides the input into the next sub-process. One effective
technique for a group is to pick a chapter to study and then, in order to prepare for the
presentation, one person prepares the inputs for each of the sub-processes, one person
prepares the tools and techniques for each sub-process and another person prepares a
presentation on the outputs.
For instance, one group studied the PMBOK® in the following order:
Chapter 10 – Project Communications Management
Chapter 7 – Project Cost Management
Chapter 9 – Project Human Resource Management
Chapter 4 – Project Integration Management
Chapter 12 – Project Procurement Management
Chapter 8 – Project Quality Management
Chapter 11 – Project Risk Management
Chapter 5 – Project Scope Management
Chapter 6 – Project Time Management
Remember, the goal of the study is not to become an expert in risk, or quality
management or time or any other knowledge area. The goal is to pass the PMP® exam.
People find that their knowledge of project management is helpful but the major piece of
preparation is to know the PMBOK® very thoroughly.
Knowledge Area Chapter Outline Summaries
In order to decide how to come up with a game plan for study, we have outlined the
Knowledge area chapters. The thought is that if you see them defined all in one place, it
may be easier to decide how to proceed with your study.
Be Able to recognize:
Network Logic Diagram: Activity-on-Arrow, Activity on Node
Bar (Gantt) chart
Cause and Effect (Ishikawa | fishbone) Diagram
Upper Control Limit – Lower Control Limit
RACI Diagram
Histogram
Probability / Impact Risk Rating Matrix
Ordinal Scale | Cardinal Scale
Decision Tree Analysis
IFB | RFP | RFQ | IFN | CIR
Be able to define all types of contracts and determine who they favor.