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Getting Under the Hood of the PMBOK Guide – Seventh Edition Part 3: More about Models, Methods,
and Artifacts
Ebenezer Adam
ITM 545 – Project Management
Instructor: Sean Masterman
September 17, 2023
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Introduction
Successful project management is more than just a simple accomplishment; it requires a
combination of well-crafted models, strategic methods, and carefully designed artifacts. Project
management is both an art and a science, requiring a nuanced understanding of its various
components. Organizations rely on projects for their growth and success, which come in many forms.
From large-scale infrastructure projects to software developments on a relatively smaller scale, project
managers play a crucial role in designing and coordinating. They must deal with issues related to
budget, resource allocation, timelines, and evolving stakeholder expectations. To navigate this
complex landscape successfully, project managers should have a toolkit that comprises three essential
elements: models, methods, and artifacts.
Models act as a guide, leading project managers through uncertain situations, providing
clarity amidst ambiguity, and showing the way toward project completion.
In project management, methods transform abstract ideas into concrete actions. They provide the
necessary structure to support project execution and help teams achieve their goals. Artifacts, on the
other hand, are the tangible outcomes that represent the collective effort of project teams and define
the progress and achievements of a project.
This paper seeks to provide high-level explanations and examples of the project management
concepts, models, methods, and artifacts and also provide a brief description of a digital content
platform known as PMI Standards Plus, where these concepts can be explored and utilized by the
project managers in much greater detail.
Concepts Learned
Models
Models are small-scale simplified views of reality. They present scenarios, strategies, or approaches for
optimizing the processes and actions that we undertake in our projects. A model is selected based on
the needs of your project and the environment.
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There are various models, such as situational leadership, communication, motivation, change,
complexity, and team development. These models are typically utilized in different project
performance domains based on suitability. Therefore, the project requirements and the organizational
environment are crucial in determining which models are most appropriate for a particular project.
When trying to work more efficiently with your team, models related to situational leadership,
communication, motivation, team development, and conflict would be a better choice. However,
when focusing on delivering requirements, such as the scope and quality, you might spend more time
considering communication, as it's an essential part of everything we do. In summary, the project's
needs determine the models you might find helpful and how you can tailor them to your specific
situation.
Methods
There are four main categories of methods: data gathering and analysis, estimating, meetings, and
events. Data gathering and analysis methods are used to collect, evaluate, and assess information to
gain a deeper understanding of a situation. Estimating methods are used to develop an approximation
of the work, duration, effort, time, cost, and resources required for a project. Meetings and events are
used to engage the project team and other stakeholders.
Let me begin by discussing the process of data gathering and analysis. Gathering data and using
various methods, such as decision trees or earned value, can help inform decisions. For example, a
decision tree can provide valuable insights to make an informed decision, and earned value can be
used to determine if corrective or preventive action is necessary. These techniques can be highly
beneficial in making decisions with confidence.
Estimating methods can vary depending on the type of project that you are working on. For instance,
affinity groupings such as T-shirt sizing, Fibonacci, and story points are commonly used in projects that
utilize adaptive or agile aspects.
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Here's a breakdown of the different types of meetings and events that we usually have. Some of these
apply to various projects, like a kickoff meeting. However, others are specific to the development
approach, such as backlog refinement. Adaptive projects and change control board meetings are
typically seen in predictive projects. Finally, there are other methods, such as modeling and
timeboxing, that need to fit into one of these categories.
Artifacts
These are essential components of project management. They come in various forms, such as logs and
registers, visual data, reports, agreements, and contracts, and they play a critical role in the success of
projects.
Logs and registers are used to record continuously evolving or dynamic aspects of the project, and
they're updated throughout the project lifecycle. Hierarchy charts are used to visualize the
organization of tasks and responsibilities. These charts are usually developed in more detail as more
information becomes available - this is called evolving scope.
Visual data and information are presented in a visual format, such as charts, graphs, matrices, and
diagrams. These artifacts are used to organize and present data and information, making it easier to
absorb and turn into useful information for decision-making.
Reports are formal records that communicate summary-level information to stakeholders. They are
usually presented to high-level individuals, such as sponsors, business owners, or PMOs.
Agreements and contracts are essential artifacts that define the parties' intentions. In projects,
agreements often take the form of a contract or other defined understandings, such as a letter of
agreement.
PMI Standards Plus
PMI Standards Plus is a digital tool designed to help you access the PMBOK Guide, PMI standards, and
guides, as well as exclusive content that can aid you in your day-to-day job. This user-friendly resource
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allows you to search through a collection of original case studies, videos, articles, templates, and
more. Experts in the field have created the content available on PMI Standards Plus, is aligned with
PMI's standards and guides and is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of your industry.
(“PMIstandardsPlus,”2023).
Although PMI Standards Plus is a subscription-based service, PMI members can access it for free.
PMI Standards Plus is an online platform that offers a wide range of PMI standards and guides, original
articles, case studies, templates, and videos developed by experts in the field. The content is aligned
with PMI's standards and guides, making it easy for users to find relevant information quickly. Users
can create personalized playlists to save content for later and download customizable templates to
help them excel in their projects and careers. A PMI Standards Plus subscription provides access to
The PMBOK Guide - Seventh Edition, over 145 articles and 80 case studies, 35+ templates, interactive
videos, and audio content that is updated each week. (“PMIstandardsPlus,”2023).
Personal Thoughts
I learned that, in project management, models are simplified representations of reality, guiding the
optimization of processes and actions. The selection of models, like situational leadership,
communication, motivation, etc., depends on project needs and the organizational context,
influencing decision-making and strategy.
Project management methods are categorized into data gathering and analysis, estimating, meetings,
and events. Data gathering aids informed decisions, estimating provides work approximations, and
various meeting types engage teams and stakeholders.
Artifacts, essential project components, include logs, visual data, reports, agreements, and contracts.
Logs evolve with the project, visual data aids understanding, reports communicate to stakeholders,
and agreements define intentions.
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Overall, models provide the conceptual framework, methods offer structure, and artifacts encapsulate
knowledge. Their selection depends on project requirements.
PMI Standards Plus, introduced, aids project managers in accessing PMI standards, guides, and
resources.
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References
Bell, M. (2022). Types of Project Management Artifacts.
Retrieved from https://projectmanagementacademy.net/resources/blog/types-of-projectmanagement-artifacts/
Szeliga, A., Nelson, M., Dionisio, S. C., Castiglione, K. (2020). Getting Under the Hood of the PMBOK®
Guide – Seventh Edition Part 3: More about Models, Methods, and Artifacts. Retrieved from
https://www.projectmanagement.com/videos/651214/getting-under-the-hood-of-the-pmbok--guide--seventh-edition-part-3--more-about-models--methods-and-artifacts
PMIstandardsPlus Monthly Subscription. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.pmi.org/shop/p-/digitalproduct/pmistandardsplusmonthlysubscription/dp002#:~:text=PMIstandards%2B%E2%84%A2%20is%
20a%20digital,%2C%20downloadable%20templates%2C%20and%20more