A Structured Framework for Implementing PMBOK Eighth Edition in Construction Projects Based on Alignment Analysis

The shift from process-driven approaches to principle- and domain-based approaches in the PMBOK Guide has presented major challenges to construction professionals operating in highly systematic processes, rigorous contracting, and risky management environments. Although PMBOK 7 promoted value creation and flexibility, its abstract nature has generated uncertainties in terms of application in construction projects. In this regard, PMBOK 8 is attempting to overcome this weakness by integrating operational Principles in a hybrid framework but lacks empirical evidence concerning its practicality in construction projects. This research aims at exploring the possibility of operationalizing and customizing the PMBOK 8 to support construction project management practices using both text mining and expert-based analysis techniques. Comparative text mining analysis has been conducted between PMBOK 6, 7, and 8, followed by interviews with 21 experts from the construction industry and project management. It can be seen that PMBOK 8 shows high congruence with construction needs in terms of governance, risk management, resource management, and flexibility. However, there remain deficiencies in important construction-related domains, such as contract administration, claims management, and health, safety, and environment (HSE). In response to these issues, this study proposes three complementary frameworks for implementing PMBOK 8 in construction: a Construction Maturity Model (CMM8), Construction Domain Alignment Index (CDAI), and Critical Implementation Path (CIP8). Three complementary models are suggested by this research to support the construction-based implementation of PMBOK 8, which includes CMM8, CDAI, and CIP8. These outputs form a knowledge-based tool for evaluating the construction alignment and implementation activities from the PMBOK 8 domains. This study offers a structured approach to analyzing the relevance of PMBOK 8 to construction project management.