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1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of the PMBOK Guide
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The acceptance of project management as a profession indicates that the application of knowledge, processes,
skills, tools, and techniques can have a significant impact on project success. The PMBOK Guide identifies that
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subset of the project management body of knowledge that is generally recognized as good practice. “Generally
recognized” means the knowledge and practices described are applicable to most projects most of the time, and
there is consensus about their value and usefulness. “Good practice” means there is general agreement that the
application of the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques can enhance the chances of success over many projects.
“Good practice” does not mean that the knowledge described should always be applied uniformly to all projects; the
organization and/or project management team is responsible for determining what is appropriate for any given project.

The PMBOK Guide also provides and promotes a common vocabulary within the project management
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profession for using and applying project management concepts. A common vocabulary is an essential element of
a professional discipline. The PMI Lexicon of Project Management Terms [1] provides the foundational professional
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vocabulary that can be consistently used by project, program, and portfolio managers and other stakeholders.

Annex A1 is a foundational reference for PMI’s project management professional development programs. Annex
A1 continues to evolve along with the profession, and is therefore not all-inclusive; this standard is a guide rather
than a specific methodology. One can use different methodologies and tools (e.g., agile, waterfall, PRINCE2) to
implement the project management framework.

In addition to the standards that establish guidelines for project management processes, the Project Management
Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct [2] guides practitioners of the profession and describes the

expectations that practitioners should hold for themselves and others. The Project Management Institute Code
of Ethics and Professional Conduct is specific about the basic obligation of responsibility, respect, fairness, and
honesty. It requires that practitioners demonstrate a commitment to ethical and professional conduct. It carries
the obligation to comply with laws, regulations, and organizational and professional policies. Practitioners come
from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and the Project Management Institute Code of Ethics and Professional
Conduct applies globally. When interacting with any stakeholder, practitioners should be committed to honest,
responsible, fair practices and respectful dealings. Acceptance of the code is essential for project managers, and is
a requirement for the following PMI exams:
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• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) ®

• Project Management Professional (PMP) ®
• Program Management Professional (PgMP) ®

• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) SM
• PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) ®
• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) ®

1 The numbers in brackets refer to the list of references at the end of this standard.

2 ©2013 Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Fifth Edition
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Licensed To: Jorge Diego Fuentes Sanchez PMI MemberID: 2399412
This copy is a PMI Member benefit, not for distribution, sale, or reproduction.