Complex Project Management Body of Knowledge (XPMBOK)

Traditional project management methodology is suitable for projects with clear objective and solutions in certain environment, few changes will occur during execution, therefore, a complete project management plan for team to follow can be developed before implementation.  This methodology searches for little changes to be controlled according to a specified control system, and if more changes required than expected, project manager will be regarded as not managing the planning process well.  In summary, conventional projects are viewed as projects with less complex and few changes, mature technology, low risks, experienced team and plan driven.  However, in this era of stiff global competition with changing customer needs and market situation, project changes have become an inevitable phenomenon, traditional project management methodology cannot meet enterprise’s needs any more. Innovation has become the source of competitive advantage, and the more innovative the project, the uncertain the project objective and solutions, and the complex the project.  In summary, complex project is characterized by fast changing environment, high possibility of changes, low cost objective and great uncertainty.