PMBOK
Global standard for project management practices and governance
ISO 37001
International standard for anti-bribery management systems.
Quick Verdict
PMBOK provides project management principles and processes for all industries, while ISO 37001 establishes certifiable anti-bribery systems to prevent bribery risks. Organizations adopt PMBOK for delivery excellence and ISO 37001 for compliance and risk mitigation.
PMBOK
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
Key Features
- Matrix of 5 Process Groups and 10 Knowledge Areas
- ITTO structure ensuring process inputs-to-outputs traceability
- Tailoring for predictive, adaptive, or hybrid lifecycles
- Planning-dominant with over 50% processes for baselining
- 12 principles and performance domains for value delivery
ISO 37001
ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management Systems
Key Features
- Risk-based bribery risk assessment
- Third-party due diligence requirements
- Leadership and anti-bribery policy commitment
- Financial and non-financial controls
- Continual improvement via PDCA cycle
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
PMBOK Details
What It Is
PMBOK® Guide is the official Project Management Body of Knowledge standard by PMI, a comprehensive framework and guide for project management practices. It standardizes principles, processes, and governance applicable to all project types across industries, evolving from process-based to principle- and outcome-focused approaches.
Key Components
- **5 Process GroupsInitiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring/Controlling, Closing.
- **10 Knowledge AreasIntegration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resources, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholders.
- ITTOs for ~49 processes; 12 principles and performance domains in 7th/8th editions.
- Tailoring model; no formal certification but aligns with PMP.
Why Organizations Use It
Enhances predictability, reduces risks via baselines and change control; supports compliance in regulated sectors; boosts performance (3x higher in standardized orgs); enables hybrid delivery; builds stakeholder trust and competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: assess gaps, tailor processes, pilot, train, deploy tools/PMO. Suits all sizes/industries; 12-24 months typical; emphasizes maturity models like OPM3 for continuous improvement.
ISO 37001 Details
What It Is
ISO 37001 is the international certifiable standard for Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS). It provides requirements and guidance to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery risks. Scope covers direct/indirect bribery by/for organizations, personnel, and business associates across sectors. Follows PDCA cycle via clauses 4-10 in Harmonized Structure (HS) for integration.
Key Components
- Leadership commitment, anti-bribery policy, compliance function.
- Bribery risk assessment, due diligence, financial/non-financial controls.
- Training, awareness, reporting, investigations.
- Monitoring, audits, management review, continual improvement. Built on risk-based, proportionate measures; certification via accredited bodies (3-year cycle).
Why Organizations Use It
Mitigates legal risks (e.g., FCPA, UK Bribery Act), reduces liability, cuts compliance costs (up to 15%). Builds trust, enables market access, enhances ESG/reputation. Addresses 95% third-party bribery cases.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls design, training rollout, audits. Scalable for all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical. Optional certification with Stage 1/2 audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | PMBOK | ISO 37001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Project management processes, principles, domains | Anti-bribery management system, bribery prevention |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, any organization size | All sectors globally, public/private/not-for-profit |
| Nature | Voluntary guide/standard, no certification enforcement | Certifiable management system standard, voluntary |
| Testing | Self-assessment, tailoring, no formal audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of best practices | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PMBOK and ISO 37001
PMBOK FAQ
ISO 37001 FAQ
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