Back to Value - PMBOK 7th edition

Benefits Realization

5 minutes 5 Questions

Benefits Realization is the process of ensuring that the expected benefits of a project or program are actually realized. It involves identifying, planning, measuring, and tracking the benefits that are expected to be gained from a project or program, and ensuring that they are achieved. Benefits can be tangible, such as increased revenue or reduced costs, or intangible, such as improved customer satisfaction or enhanced brand reputation. Benefits Realization starts with identifying the expected benefits during the project initiation phase and continues throughout the project lifecycle. It involves engaging stakeholders to define and agree upon the expected benefits, establishing metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the benefits, and monitoring and reporting on the progress of benefits realization. Effective Benefits Realization ensures that the project delivers the intended value to the organization and aligns with its strategic objectives.

Guide on Benefits Realization Following PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition

The PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition introduces a refined perspective on project management, highlighting the importance of delivering value and achieving intended benefits.

Why it is Important: Benefits Realization is crucial as it ensures that projects are not just completed on time, within budget, and to scope, but also deliver tangible, measurable benefits that align with organizational goals and strategies. It shifts the focus from project outputs to outcomes, encouraging a long-term view of project success.

What it is: Benefits Realization is the process of identifying, planning, measuring, and managing the benefits provided by project deliverables. It involves understanding how project outputs will contribute to business objectives and ensuring these benefits are actually achieved.

How it Works: Benefits Realization operates through several key steps: identification of benefits at the planning stage, planning how these benefits will be delivered and measured, execution of the project with a focus on benefits, and measurement of achieved benefits post-project completion. It's a lifecycle process that extends beyond project closure.

How to Answer Questions Regarding Benefits Realization in an Exam: When answering exam questions on Benefits Realization, it's important to:

  • Understand the concept of value and how it relates to benefits.
  • Be aware of the steps in the Benefits Realization process and how they apply to different stages of project management.
  • Recognize how Benefits Realization aligns projects with organizational strategy.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Benefits Realization
- Focus on the overarching goal of delivering value to the organization and stakeholders.
- Understand the distinction between immediate project outputs and long-term benefits.
- Be prepared to discuss how to measure and sustain benefits after project completion.
- Remember, Benefits Realization is about ensuring projects contribute to strategic objectives, so link your answers back to this concept.

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PMP - Value - PMBOK 7th edition Example Questions

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Question 1

An organization has implemented ITIL 4 practices to improve service delivery. The IT department has a higher first-time fix rate, but customers still report difficulties. Which of the following actions is most likely to deliver the desired benefits?

Correct Answer: Close the feedback loop with customers to understand their concerns

Closing the feedback loop with customers helps better understand their concerns and allows the IT department to address the underlying issues, leading to a more satisfactory service delivery.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of benefits realization in a project management context?

Correct Answer: Ensuring that the project delivers the anticipated benefits and value to the organization

The primary purpose of benefits realization in project management is ensuring that the project delivers the anticipated benefits and value to the organization. Defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables is important, but it is not the primary focus of benefits realization. Tracking and reporting project progress is crucial for project monitoring and control, but it is not directly tied to benefits realization. Identifying and mitigating risks is essential for project success, but it is not the primary goal of benefits realization. Benefits realization focuses on making sure that the project outcomes align with the expected benefits and value defined at the project's outset. It involves planning, monitoring, and measuring the realization of benefits throughout the project lifecycle and even after project completion.

Question 3

Your organization has implemented a new IT service management tool. You notice that the tool has not been adopted as expected, affecting benefits realization. What should you do?

Correct Answer: Identify and address barriers to adoption and use in the organization

To improve benefits realization, it is essential to address the barriers to adoption and use. This may involve providing additional training or communication, resolving technical issues, or making process adjustments to leverage the tool effectively.

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