Project Management Network Diagram: A Tool for Understanding the PM Life Cycle

Project Management Network Diagram:

Fully understanding the Project Management Institute's (PM) approach to project management can be difficult. This is not because of the complexity of the material. The difficulty arises from having a body of knowledge that is structured for referencing, not learning.

PMI divides the tasks associated with project management into 44 processes. There are also 44 different management activities that must be completed, in a specific order.

These activities, or processes, are well described by training manuals. Unfortunately they are discussed in isolation from each other. As a consequence it is very hard to develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the many processes.

If you are new to PMI, you need a summary document that provides an overview and introduction to the big picture. Once you can see the forest, it is possible to study individual trees.

Fortunately, if you are trying to prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, such an overview is now available through Global Knowledge.

The Project Management Network Diagram (PM Network Diagram) provides a visual illustration of the project management life cycle (in terms of the chain of events that take place in a project).

Study Time

As a graphical presentation of the project management life cycle this diagram summarizes a large portion of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It can radically reduce the time required to prepare for the PMP exam.

In effect, the Project Management Network Diagram does for the learning process what a network diagram does for projects. It provides a visual aid that simplifies the explanation and discussion of project management stages, their relationships, and their timing.

Time Well Spent

When preparing for an exam, you will want to make the most efficient use of study time. In order to be efficient, it is necessary to know "what you need to know".

There are many study guides that review what you need to know in 500 pages. Unfortunately they do not provide effective overviews or clarify whether every detail needs to be memorized.

The Project Management Network Diagram provides the overview that study guides lack. On one 8.5" x 11" page, the Project management Network Diagram summarizes the knowledge needed to answer 50 - 70 percent of questions on the PMP exam. The diagram provides an overview of what you need to know.

Of course it is still necessary to learn what you need to know, but this is greatly simplified by this roadmap.

Topics Covered

In this white paper you will be introduced to:

- Complications in studying for the PMP

- The Project Management Network Diagram

- Study tips and techniques

This white paper is essential reading if you are considering taking the PMP exam. It will save study time by clarifying what you need to know.

Background

The PMP Exam is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The PMBOK was created and is maintained by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The PMBOK is a compilation of the PMI's know-how. It is its dictionary of terms and practices. It is a reference tool for anyone wanting to lookup a PMI term or procedure. The PMBOK documents PMI's version of best practices in the field of project management network diagrams.

The PMBOK is not a study guide. It is not a training manual. It is not very pleasant reading. Anyone who has struggled through the PMBOK deserves a medal.

Complications with Studying for the PMP Exam

The biggest mistake that people make when preparing for the PMP exam is to treat the PMBOK as a training manual. The PMBOK is not a training manual. It is a reference tool. Imagine trying to learn English by reading a dictionary ? pretty tricky. Anyone who "studies" the PMBOK is wasting a lot of time.

Another common error is misinterpreting the nature of the PMP Exam. Is it not a test of project management knowledge. It is a test of your knowledge of PMI's terminology.

Seventy years of project management experience will not get you a passing grade on the exam. The exam does not test your general knowledge; it tests your specific knowledge of PMI's version of project management and its terminology.