Appendix X6. Tools and Techniques

APPENDIX X6
TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

X6.1 INTRODUCTION

The PMBOK® Guide-Sixth Edition presents tools and techniques differently from previous editions. Where appropriate, this edition groups tools and techniques by their purpose. The group name describes the intent of what needs to be done and the tools and techniques in the group represent different methods to accomplish the intent. For example, data gathering is a group with the intent of gathering data and information. Brainstorming, interviews, and market research are among the techniques that can be used to gather data and information.

This approach reflects the emphasis in the Sixth Edition on the importance of tailoring the information presented in the PMBOK® Guide to the needs of the environment, situation, organization, or project.

There are 132 individual tools and techniques in the PMBOK® Guide–Sixth Edition. These are not the only tools and techniques that can be used to manage a project. They represent those tools and techniques that are considered to be good practice on most projects most of the time. Some are mentioned once and some appear many times in the PMBOK® Guide.

To assist practitioners in identifying where specific tools and techniques are used, this appendix identifies each tool and technique, the group to which it belongs (if appropriate), and the process(es) where it is listed in the PMBOK® Guide. The process in which a tool or technique is described in the guide is in boldface type. In other processes where the tool or technique is listed, it will reference the process in which it is described. Processes may provide additional verbiage on how a tool or technique is used in a particular process.

X6.2 TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES GROUPS

The following tools and techniques groups are used throughout the PMBOK® Guide:

Data gathering techniques. Used to collect data and information from a variety of sources. There are nine data gathering tools and techniques.
Data analysis techniques. Used to organize, assess, and evaluate data and information. There are 27 data analysis tools and techniques.
Data representation techniques. Used to show graphic representations or other methods used to convey data and information. There are 15 data representation tools and techniques.
Decision-making techniques. Used to select a course of action from different alternatives. There are two decision-making tools and techniques.
Communication skills. Used to transfer information between stakeholders. There are two communication skills tools and techniques.
Interpersonal and team skills. Used to effectively lead and interact with team members and other stakeholders. There are 17 interpersonal and team skills tools and techniques.

There are 60 ungrouped tools and techniques.