The Integrated PMP® Study Guide (Based on PMBOK® 7th Edition) [85 Minute Read]

A First-Principles Approach to Project Leadership, Exam Readiness, and Professional Application

Welcome to 'The Integrated PMP® Study Guide.' This guide is meticulously crafted to embody a professional's spirit – fostering a deep, practical understanding of project leadership principles. You will build knowledge from foundational truths, understanding the 'why' behind every project management decision.

This guide is structured into digestible, focused learning blocks, each designed to deliver a specific piece of knowledge. Every topic is aligned with the official PMP® Examination Content Outline, targeting the 'evaluation and synthesis' cognitive level required for success. Prepare to lead robust, valuable, and successful projects, and to approach the exam with confidence and a profound understanding of excellence in project management.

• Phase 1: Orientation: Understand the exam landscape, the shift in PMBOK 7, and the mindset required for success.

• Phase 2: Foundation: Learn the core Principles that guide project management and the Performance Domains where work happens. Includes understanding how domains interact.

• Phase 3: Application: Apply concepts through tailoring, understanding key tools, and developing essential leadership skills, including deep dives into critical areas.

• Phase 4: Exam Strategy: Build confidence by understanding the PMP exam structure, question types, and effective test‑taking strategies.

(Table of Contents - For Reference)

Phase 1: Orientation – Understanding the PMP Landscape for Exam and Practice

• 1.1. Welcome & How This Guide Supports Exam Success and Professional Growth
• 1.2. The PMP Mindset: Focus on Value Delivery and Ethical Conduct
• 1.3. Core Concepts Preview (Principles, Domains, Value, Tailoring)
• 1.4. Reflection Checkpoint: Connecting Concepts to Your Experience

Phase 2: Foundation – The PMBOK® 7 Framework in Theory and Action

• 2.1. The 12 Principles of Project Management (Guiding Your Actions)
  • 2.1.1. Principles 1-3: Stewardship, Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement
  • 2.1.2. Principles 4-6: Value, Systems Thinking, Leadership
  • 2.1.3. Principles 7-9: Tailoring, Quality, Complexity
  • 2.1.4. Principles 10-12: Risk, Adaptability, Change Enablement
• 2.2. The 8 Project Performance Domains (Where the Work Happens)
  • 2.2.1. Domains: Stakeholder and Team
  • 2.2.2. Domain: Development Approach & Life Cycle
  • 2.2.3. Domains: Planning and Project Work
  • 2.2.4. Domains: Delivery and Measurement
  • 2.2.5. Domain: Uncertainty
• 2.3. Connecting the Dots: How Domains Interact Holistically
  • 2.3.1. Domain Interactions: Initiation and Planning
  • 2.3.2. Domain Interactions: Execution and Closing
• 2.4. Reflection Checkpoint: Applying the Framework to Your Context

Phase 3: Application – Principles and Domains Driving Professional Results

• 3.1. Tailoring: Adapting PMBOK® with Principles for Your Project
• 3.2. The Project Manager's Toolkit: Key Models, Methods & Artifacts
  • 3.2.1. Key Models in Project Management
  • 3.2.2. Common Methods and Techniques: Part 1
  • 3.2.3. Common Methods and Techniques: Part 2
  • 3.2.4. Common Methods and Techniques: Part 3
  • 3.2.5. Key Project Artifacts: Part 1
  • 3.2.6. Key Project Artifacts: Part 2
  • 3.2.7. Key Project Artifacts: Part 3
• 3.3. Deep Dive: Leadership & Soft Skills in Action
• 3.4. Deep Dive: Critical Tools & Techniques in Practice
  • 3.4.1. Agile Estimation Techniques
  • 3.4.2. Risk Analysis and Response
  • 3.4.3. Earned Value Management (EVM) Basics
• 3.5. Real-World Examples & Scenario Insights (Conceptual)
• 3.6. Reflection Checkpoint: Improving Your Professional Practice

Phase 4: Exam Readiness & Continued Professional Growth

• 4.1. Mastering the Exam: Strategy & PMI Mindset (Ethics & Professional Conduct)
• 4.2. Tackling PMP Scenario Questions (Exam Technique and Practical Problem-Solving)
• 4.3. Memory Boosters & Advanced Study Techniques
• 4.4. Final Checklist: Ready for the Exam and Ready for Practice
• 4.5. Glossary (Exam Definitions and Professional Context)
  • 4.5.1. Glossary (Acceptance Criteria - Assumption Log)
  • 4.5.2. Glossary (AUP - Bidder Conference)
  • 4.5.3. Glossary (Burndown Chart - Complexity)
  • 4.5.4. Glossary (Configuration Management - Critical Path Method)
  • 4.5.5. Glossary (Crystal - Definition of Ready)
  • 4.5.6. Glossary (Deliverable - Epic)
  • 4.5.7. Glossary (Escaped Defects - Five Whys)
  • 4.5.8. Glossary (Flow-based - Iteration Plan)
  • 4.5.9. Glossary (Iterative Life Cycle - LeSS)
  • 4.5.10. Glossary (Lessons Learned - Performance Domain)
  • 4.5.11. Glossary (Planning Poker - Product Breakdown Structure)
  • 4.5.12. Glossary (Product Owner - Requirements Management Plan)
  • 4.5.13. Glossary (Retrospective - Rolling Wave Planning)
  • 4.5.14. Glossary (Root Cause Analysis - Spike)
  • 4.5.15. Glossary (Sprint/Iteration - Status Reports)
  • 4.5.16. Glossary (Story Mapping - Team Charter)
  • 4.5.17. Glossary (Technical Debt - User Story Creation)
  • 4.5.18. Glossary (Value Stream Mapping - WIP Limits)
• 4.6. Sample Questions & Explanations (Conceptual - Linking Exam Answers to Practical Reasoning)
  • 4.6.1. Sample Scenario: Team Conflict
  • 4.6.2. Sample Scenarios: EVM and Lifecycle Selection

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