PMBOK
Global framework for project management principles and practices
FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity in agencies
Quick Verdict
PMBOK provides voluntary project management principles for global teams, while FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for U.S. federal systems. Organizations adopt PMBOK for delivery predictability; FISMA for legal compliance and resilience.
PMBOK
PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition
Key Features
- Tailoring guidelines adapt to project complexity and type
- Six principles focus on value, sustainability, leadership
- Seven performance domains span governance to risk management
- Hybrid support for predictive, agile, hybrid delivery
- Standardized tools like EVM, WBS, risk registers
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)
Key Features
- Mandates NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Applies to federal agencies and contractors
- Uses FIPS 199 for system impact categorization
- Enforces annual IG assessments and reporting
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition is a global standard and framework by PMI for project management. It codifies principles, performance domains, processes, and practices for delivering value through projects. Its tailoring approach adapts to predictive, agile, or hybrid contexts, emphasizing mindset, skills, and adaptability over rigid prescriptions.
Key Components
- **Six Core PrinciplesHolistic view, value focus, quality, accountable leadership, sustainability, empowered teams.
- **Seven Performance DomainsGovernance, scope, schedule, finance, stakeholders, resources, risk.
- Legacy elements: 5 process groups, 10 knowledge areas, ~47 processes.
- Tools like WBS, EVM, risk registers; no formal certification but aligns with PMP®.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives predictability, reduces overruns, aligns projects to strategy. Mitigates contractual, audit, reputational risks. Enables hybrid agility, competitive differentiation, stakeholder trust via standardized language and metrics like CPI/SPI.
Implementation Overview
Phased framework: alignment, gap analysis, tailoring, training, pilots, rollout, assurance. Applies to all sizes/sectors; 12-24 months for enterprises. Focuses on PMO, tools, change management; voluntary but often contract-driven.
FISMA Details
What It Is
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) is a U.S. federal law establishing a risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. Enacted in 2014, it mandates agency-wide security programs emphasizing continuous monitoring and NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) with seven steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
Key Components
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (over 1,000 in 20 families) tailored by FIPS 199 impact levels (Low/Moderate/High).
- Core elements: System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms), annual IG assessments.
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, and agency CIOs/CISOs; no formal certification but compliance via reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for federal agencies and contractors handling federal data; reduces breach risks, enables market access (e.g., FedRAMP), builds resilience and efficiency. Enhances trust, avoids penalties like debarment.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF approach: inventory assets, categorize systems, deploy controls, assess/authorize, continuous monitoring. Applies to federal entities, contractors; suits all sizes via tailoring; requires audits, IG evaluations. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | PMBOK | FISMA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management principles, processes, performance domains | Federal information security, risk management, NIST controls |
| Industry | All sectors globally (IT, construction, healthcare) | U.S. federal agencies, contractors, national security systems |
| Nature | Voluntary global standard, non-regulatory guidance | Mandatory U.S. federal law with oversight enforcement |
| Testing | Internal audits, maturity assessments, pilot validations | Annual IG evaluations, continuous monitoring, RMF assessments |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, reputational/contractual risks | Fines, contract loss, debarment, congressional reporting |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PMBOK and FISMA
PMBOK FAQ
FISMA FAQ
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