Tips #12 :: Relate Tasks to knowledge areas and APG

12 Jul Tips #12 :: Relate Tasks to knowledge areas and APG

The PMP® exam is based on the Exam content outline defined by PMI®. The ECO (PMP® Exam Content Outline – PMI®) defines tasks on which the PMP® Exam questions are based. The exam checks if the aspirant is proficient in the tasks defined by the ECO

When a project manager is managing a project, he feels with

1. People: All stakeholders he or the project team need to interact with.  These interactions with stakeholders are important for the project. Done well, they help a project manager close the project successfully. On the other hand, if these interactions are not managed well, you know what happens! They lead to issues on the project. The project manager has to be well versed in these interactions so that he can always work well in the interest of the project.  The ECO defines the actions/principles about these interactions. They are called tasks. To close a project well, the project manager has to know his responsibilities and how to fulfil those responsibilities to be proficient in those tasks. The PMP® exam tests a project manager’s proficiency in those tasks

2. Processes: Processes domain defines tasks about processes a project needs to follow. It could be managing the baselines, it could be documenting and planning for risks etc. the project manager needs to understand his responsibilities and be proficient in these processes. The questions based on defined tasks check a project manager’s proficiency in those tasks

3. Business Environment: This domain defines tasks that are about relationships between the project and business environment.  The project manager needs to be aware of the business value and impact that the project should deliver. The tasks defined ensure that the project manager understands the same. 

As a project manager, you are always performing these tasks and practically too, as you get proficient in those tasks and realize how to use the best practices for managing projects, your projects are managed more effectively. Therefore, if you relate these tasks with your real life experience and the PMBOK® Guide, getting ready for the PMP® Exam becomes interesting and easy.

Let me share a tip here that will be useful to connect and know these tasks. When you are reading the PMBOK®Guide, mark the chapters with related tasks. For example, All of the following knowledge areas deal with Task# 1 (Manage Conflicts)  in People Domain

• Integration Management
• Scope Management
• Schedule Management
• Cost Management
• Resource Management, 
• Communication Management 
• Procurement Management  
• Stakeholder Engagement

This marking will help you understand those tasks and connect them to the topics.