Standards Comparison

    PMBOK

    Voluntary
    2021

    Global standard for project management principles and practices

    VS

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    Voluntary
    2023

    International standard for AI management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    PMBOK guides project delivery across industries with principles and processes, while ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certifies AI governance for responsible lifecycle management. Companies adopt PMBOK for reliable execution; ISO 42001 for ethical AI compliance and trust.

    Project Management

    PMBOK

    Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Integrates 5 Process Groups with 10 Knowledge Areas
    • Defines processes using Inputs, Tools, Techniques, Outputs (ITTOs)
    • Emphasizes tailoring for predictive, agile, hybrid lifecycles
    • Planning-dominant with over 50% processes for baselining
    • Evolves to 12 principles and performance domains
    AI Management

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 AI Management Systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • PDCA-based framework for AI lifecycle governance
    • Mandatory AI Impact Assessments for high-risk systems
    • Annex A with 38 AI-specific controls
    • Third-party risk management and supply chain controls
    • Integration with ISO 27001 and other MSS

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    PMBOK Details

    What It Is

    PMBOK® Guide, published by PMI, is a global standard and framework documenting generally accepted project management practices. Its primary purpose is to provide scalable governance for delivering projects across industries, evolving from process-based (6th edition) to principle-based (7th/8th editions) with tailoring for context.

    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 (governance, stakeholders, team, etc.) in modern editions.
    • No formal certification for standard; aligns with PMP credentialing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives predictability, risk reduction, value delivery; correlates with high performance (3x standardized processes). Enhances compliance via embedded controls, stakeholder trust, competitive edge in procurement.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased rollout: assess gaps, tailor methodology, pilot, train, deploy PMO/tools. Applies to all sizes/industries; emphasizes proportionality, OPM3 maturity. (178 words)

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is the world's first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). It provides a certifiable framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve AI governance using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology and High-Level Structure (HLS), addressing AI risks like bias, transparency, and lifecycle complexities across all organizations.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operations, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Annex A with 38 AI-specific controls for data, transparency, integrity, and resiliency.
    • Built on PDCA and HLS for integration with ISO 9001/27001.
    • Third-party certification via accredited auditors, 3-year validity with surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates AI risks, ensures ethical practices, aligns with EU AI Act.
    • Enhances trust, reputation, and competitive edge via certification.
    • Drives innovation, regulatory preparedness, and stakeholder confidence.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased gap analysis, risk assessments, AIIAs, and training.
    • Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 4.5-12 months typical, faster with existing ISO.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    PMBOK
    Project management principles, processes, domains
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    AI management systems, lifecycle risks, ethics

    Industry

    PMBOK
    All industries worldwide, any size
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    All sectors using AI, global applicability

    Nature

    PMBOK
    Voluntary guide and standard, no certification
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Certifiable management system standard

    Testing

    PMBOK
    Tailoring, self-assessments, no formal audits
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Third-party audits, AIIAs, surveillance reviews

    Penalties

    PMBOK
    No legal penalties, performance risks only
    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Loss of certification, no direct fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about PMBOK and ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    PMBOK FAQ

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 FAQ

    You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

    Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

    Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

    Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

    100+ Standards & Regulations
    AI-Powered Insights
    Collaborative Assessments
    Actionable Recommendations

    Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages