Understanding Business Value in PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition
The PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition marks a significant shift from process-based to principle-based project management, and understanding Business Value is central to this evolution. Business value is essentially about ensuring that the projects and outcomes delivered align closely with the organization's overarching goals and objectives, thus contributing positively to its overall success.
What is Business Value?
Business value can be defined as the net quantifiable benefit derived from completing a project or business initiative. This encompasses not just economic benefits, but also improvements in areas such as customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and employee engagement among others.
Why is it Important?
Recognizing the importance of business value ensures that projects do not exist in a vacuum. Projects should directly contribute to the strategic objectives of the organization, thus ensuring relevancy and maximizing resources.
How it Works?
Business value in project management is achieved by aligning project objectives with the high-level goals of the organization. It involves continuous monitoring and adjustment of project goals to ensure they remain aligned with business objectives.
How to Answer Questions Regarding Business Value in an Exam?
When tackling exam questions on business value:
- Understand and articulate the concept of business value as it relates to both economic and non-economic benefits.
- Be prepared to discuss how business value aligns projects with an organization's strategic objectives.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to measure and monitor business value throughout the project life cycle.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Business Value1.
Read the questions carefully: Look out for keywords that suggest a focus on alignment with strategic objectives or the broader impact of project outcomes.
2.
Use examples: Where possible, relate your answers to specific examples of how projects can deliver business value.
3.
Think holistically: Consider the wider implications of projects and their outcomes on the organization, beyond just the immediate financial gains.