What is tailoring?

Tailoring, in the context of project management, refers to the adaptation of standard processes and practices from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to the specific needs of a project. The goal is to use only the necessary processes and practices to achieve the project objectives in the most efficient way possible.

The PMBOK, published by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a widely used framework for project management. It contains a set of recommended processes and practices that apply to every project, regardless of its size, complexity, or industry.

However, not all projects are the same, and it is likely that some processes and practices from the PMBOK are not necessary or relevant for a particular project. Therefore, it is important to tailor the PMBOK to the specific needs of each project, which is known as tailoring.

Tailoring the PMBOK involves identifying the processes and practices that are essential for the success of the project and eliminating those that are not necessary. This allows for more efficient project management by avoiding the overhead of unnecessary processes and activities.

Tailoring can also involve modifying the recommended processes and practices in the PMBOK to fit the specific needs of the project. For example, it may be necessary to adjust the project's timelines, budget, or scope to align with project constraints.

To carry out PMBOK tailoring, a deep understanding of the framework and the project's needs is required. It is important to note that tailoring does not mean completely disregarding the PMBOK, but rather adapting and adjusting it to fit the project's requirements.

In summary, tailoring is essential for efficient project management as it allows for the adaptation of the PMBOK to the specific needs of each project. This enables more efficient project management by avoiding the overhead of unnecessary processes and activities. To carry out tailoring, a deep understanding of the PMBOK and the project's needs is necessary.