Comparing PMBOK and Agile Project Management software development processes

Abstract

The objective of this article is to compare a generic set of project management processes as defined in Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) with a number of agile project management processes. PMBOK is developed by Project Management Institute and it is structured around five process groups (initiating, planning, execution, controlling and closure) and nine knowledge areas (integration management, scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communication management, risk management, procurement management). On the other hand, agile software project management is based on the following principles: embrace change, focus on customer value, deliver part of functionality incrementally, collaborate, reflect and learn continuously. The purpose of this comparison is to identify gaps, differences, discrepancies etc. The result is that, agile project management methodologies cannot be considered complete, from the traditional project management point of view, since a number of processes either are missing or not described explicitly.