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FOREWORD

FOREWORD

Professional project managers understand that not every project can or should be managed exactly the same as
every other. The nature of the industry, the organization, the project itself, or requirements of the project sponsors
combine in unique ways for every project. Project managers are expected to know how to customize their approach
to suit the specific requirements of the project and its sponsor.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) and the IEEE Computer Society have joined together to develop specific
guidance for managers of software development projects. A committee of volunteers from both organizations,
all experts in project management and in software development, have developed this Software Extension to the
PMBOK Guide Fifth Edition.
®

®
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Fifth Edition is the latest in the seminal
series of standards for the profession that identifies the most effective global practices in project management. The
PMBOK Guide provides a foundation that is fundamental for the universal standard practice of project management
®
across industries, geographies, and project types. This Software Extension serves as an essential companion to the
®
PMBOK Guide written specifically to provide guidance for those who lead software development projects.
Both PMI and the IEEE Computer Society have approved this Software Extension, which is published under the
logos of both organizations. We enthusiastically recommend this Software Extension to the PMBOK Guide Fifth
®
Edition to project managers worldwide.

Mark A. Langley, President & CEO Angela Burgess, Executive Director
Project Management Institute IEEE Computer Society

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