What It Is

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a binding EU regulation enacted in 2016, enforceable since 2018. It safeguards natural persons' rights in personal data processing while enabling free data flows in the digital single market. Adopts a risk-based, accountability-driven approach replacing the fragmented 1995 Directive.

Key Components

• **Seven core principleslawfulness/fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
• **Data subject rightsaccess, rectification, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), portability, objection, restriction.
• Obligations include DPIAs, DPO appointment for high-risk processors, ROPA maintenance, 72-hour breach notifications.
• Enforcement via supervisory authorities with fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; no formal certification, but ongoing compliance demonstration required.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for any entity processing EU residents' data, averting severe penalties. Enhances trust/reputation, mitigates risks from breaches/transfers, sets global gold standard influencing laws like LGPD/CCPA. Boosts competitiveness via privacy-by-design.

Implementation Overview

Gap analysis, process redesign, training, tech upgrades (e.g., pseudonymisation). Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data, all sizes/industries. Two-year transition historically; involves EDPB guidance, DPA audits; extraterritorial scope demands global alignment.

What It Is

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), authored by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a preeminent global framework and standard for project management. It codifies principles, performance domains, processes, and practices to deliver value, emphasizing adaptability, tailoring, and hybrid approaches across predictive, agile, and mixed methodologies.

Key Components

• **Six Core PrinciplesHolistic view, value focus, quality embedding, accountable leadership, sustainability integration, empowered teams.
• **Seven Performance DomainsGovernance, scope, schedule, finance, stakeholders, resources, risk.
• Legacy elements: 5 Process Groups and 10 Knowledge Areas.
• Tailorable practices with tools like EVM, WBS, risk registers; supports PMP® certification.

Why Organizations Use It

• Drives predictability, reduces overruns, enhances decision-making.
• Addresses contractual, audit, reputational risks.
• Provides competitive differentiation, talent retention, strategic alignment.
• Builds stakeholder trust via standardized governance.

Implementation Overview

• Phased framework: executive alignment, gap analysis, tailoring, pilots, rollout, audits.
• Involves training, PMO setup, tools integration.
• Suits all sizes/industries; voluntary with optional certification.