PMBOK
Global standard for project management principles and practices
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection and privacy
Quick Verdict
PMBOK provides voluntary project management principles for global delivery success, while GDPR UK mandates data protection rules for UK personal data handlers with severe fines. Companies adopt PMBOK for predictability and GDPR UK to avoid penalties and build trust.
PMBOK
PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition
Key Features
- Six core principles and seven performance domains
- Tailoring for predictive, agile, hybrid project delivery
- Five process groups with ten knowledge areas matrix
- Earned Value Management for cost-schedule control
- Standardized risk registers and Monte Carlo simulation
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
Key Features
- Seven enforceable data processing principles
- Comprehensive data subject rights framework
- Accountability with records of processing (RoPA)
- Risk-based DPIAs and prior ICO consultation
- 72-hour personal data breach notifications
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
The PMBOK® Guide – Eighth Edition, authored by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a voluntary global framework standardizing project management practices. It codifies principles, performance domains, processes, and tools for delivering value across sectors like IT, construction, and healthcare. Its principle-led, adaptable approach supports modern hybrid environments.
Key Components
- **Six core principlesvalue focus, quality embedding, accountable leadership, sustainability integration, holistic views, empowered teams.
- **Seven performance domainsgovernance, scope, schedule, finance, stakeholders, resources, risk.
- Legacy structure: five process groups (Initiating to Closing) and ten knowledge areas (Integration to Stakeholder).
- Tools include WBS, EVM (CPI/SPI), risk registers; emphasizes tailoring without certification.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives predictability, reduces overruns, aligns projects to strategy. Mitigates contractual/audit risks, enhances reputation via PMI credentials like PMP. Provides competitive edge through standardized language and hybrid agility.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: executive alignment, gap analysis, tailoring, training, pilots, rollout, audits. Suits all sizes/industries; 12-24 months for enterprise transformation focusing on PMO, tools, OCM.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of the EU GDPR, a binding legal regulation enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). It governs personal data processing with a risk-based, accountability-focused approach, applying to UK-established organisations and those targeting UK individuals extraterritorially.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Individual rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
- Controller/processor obligations, lawful bases, DPIAs, security, breach notification.
- No formal certification; compliance via demonstrable governance and ICO enforcement (fines up to 4% global turnover).
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal mandate with severe fines and corrective powers.
- Mitigates risks from breaches, rights mishandling.
- Builds trust, enables data-driven operations, supports cross-border business.
Implementation Overview
Phased: data mapping (RoPA), policies, training, DPIAs, vendor contracts. Applies universally to data handlers; ongoing audits, no certification but ICO scrutiny.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PMBOK | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management principles, processes, performance domains | Personal data processing principles, rights, security |
| Industry | All sectors globally, all organization sizes | Any handling UK personal data, UK-focused extraterritorial |
| Nature | Voluntary global standard, no legal enforcement | Mandatory UK regulation, ICO enforcement fines |
| Testing | Internal audits, maturity assessments, pilots | DPIAs, security testing, ICO consultations |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, reputational/contractual risks | Fines up to £17.5M or 4% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PMBOK and GDPR UK
PMBOK FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
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