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.