PMBOK
Global standard for project management principles and practices
CMMI
Global framework for process improvement and maturity assessment
Quick Verdict
PMBOK provides project delivery principles and processes for all industries, while CMMI offers maturity-based process improvement for software and regulated sectors. Companies adopt PMBOK for predictable execution; CMMI for capability benchmarking and compliance.
PMBOK
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
Key Features
- Tailors practices to project size, complexity, delivery approach
- Six core principles and seven performance domains
- Integrates five process groups with ten knowledge areas
- Earned Value Management for cost and schedule control
- OPM3 maturity model for continuous capability improvement
CMMI
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)
Key Features
- Maturity Levels 0-5 for organizational process progression
- 25 Practice Areas across 4 Category Areas in v2.0
- Staged and continuous capability representations
- SCAMPI Class A/B/C appraisals for benchmarking
- Generic practices ensuring process institutionalization
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide – Project Management Body of Knowledge, a global standard by PMI for project management practices. It provides principles, performance domains, and processes for delivering value through projects. Eighth Edition emphasizes tailoring, value delivery, and hybrid approaches.
Key Components
- Six core principles (value focus, stewardship, adaptability) and seven performance domains (governance, stakeholders, team, etc.).
- Legacy: five process groups, ten knowledge areas.
- Tools like EVM, WBS, risk registers.
- OPM3 maturity model; non-prescriptive certification via PMP.
Why Organizations Use It
Reduces risks, improves predictability, ensures compliance in contracts/audits. Drives strategic alignment, cost control, faster decisions. Enhances reputation, talent retention via certifications; competitive edge in bids.
Implementation Overview
Phased framework: assessment, tailoring, training, pilots, rollout, assurance. Applies to all sizes/industries; 12-24 months for enterprises. Involves PMO setup, tools, change management; no mandatory audits but self-assessed maturity.
CMMI Details
What It Is
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) is a globally recognized process improvement framework developed by Carnegie Mellon University's SEI and now governed by ISACA. It provides a structured approach to enhance organizational performance through maturity levels and capability progression in development, services, and acquisition domains.
Key Components
- 4 Category Areas (Doing, Managing, Enabling, Improving) with 12 Capability Areas and 25 Practice Areas in v2.0.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 and Capability Levels 0-3.
- Generic practices for institutionalization and specific practices per area.
- SCAMPI appraisals (Class A/B/C) for benchmarking.
Why Organizations Use It
- Improves predictability, reduces rework, boosts productivity (up to 61%).
- Meets contractual requirements in defense, regulated sectors.
- Enhances risk management, quality, customer satisfaction.
- Provides competitive benchmarking and stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: assessment, piloting, rollout, appraisal.
- Involves gap analysis, training, tooling integration.
- Suits mid-to-large organizations across industries; voluntary but appraisal-based certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PMBOK | CMMI |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management principles, processes, performance domains | Process improvement, maturity levels, practice areas across domains |
| Industry | All sectors globally, any organization size | Software, defense, services, regulated industries worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary global standard and guide | Voluntary process maturity model with appraisals |
| Testing | No formal certification; internal audits, pilots | SCAMPI appraisals (A/B/C) by certified lead appraisers |
| Penalties | No penalties; risks like project failure, lost bids | No legal penalties; lost contracts, no maturity rating |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PMBOK and CMMI
PMBOK FAQ
CMMI FAQ
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