Seminario de Investigación Unad
ApplyingPMBOK7PrinciplesandPerformance
DomainstoaPublic-SectorStrategicDiagnosticProject
Opinion Article
The seventh edition of the PMBOK Guide represents a significant evolution in the way projects are understood and managed. Instead of centering the discipline around processes, tools or rigid methodologies, PMBOK 7 emphasizes principles, performance domains, and value delivery This approach is especially relevant for public-sector projects, where organizational culture, stakeholder expectations, and institutional constraints play a decisive role in the success of any initiative
In reviewing the twelve PMBOK 7 principles, several align directly with the challenges identified in my project: the design and implementation of a digital diagnostic tool to assess the Strategic Direction component of the MIPG in the Sanatorio de Agua de Dios ESE Among the most relevant principles, the idea of creating a collaborative project environment stands out Public health institutions often suffer from communication gaps between administrative and operational levels. This principle reinforces the need to encourage constructive dialogue, shared understanding, and cross-functional coordination elements that were shown to be lacking in the diagnosis.
Another highly applicable principle is value focus, which invites teams to ensure that all activities contribute meaningfully to organizational objectives The digital diagnostic tool developed in the project embodies this principle by providing a structured mechanism for identifying gaps, evaluating strategic performance and guiding improvement actions In a public entity, where resources are limited and accountability is mandatory, having a tool that supports evidence-based decision-making is not only valuable but necessary
The principle of engaging stakeholders effectively is equally essential. The project revealed that much of the staff perceives the MIPG as distant or insufficiently socialized. PMBOK 7 suggests that stakeholder engagement is not a one-time event but a continuous effort to understand expectations, concerns and motivations In the context of the Sanatorio, this means strengthening communication strategies, ensuring institutional transparency, and creating opportunities for active participation in decision-making processes
Regarding the PMBOK performance domains, the Stakeholder and Team domains are particularly relevant The Stakeholder domain emphasizes continuous communication, expectation alignment and trust-building These aspects were directly reflected in the findings of the institutional survey, where communication inconsistencies and unclear role definitions emerged. The Team domain, for its part, highlights collaboration and shared responsibility critical aspects in a project that requires participation from multiple administrative levels.
ApplyingPMBOK7PrinciplesandPerformance
DomainstoaPublic-SectorStrategicDiagnosticProject
The Planning and Measurement domains also offer insights that were essential in shaping the project. The Planning domain addresses adaptability and iterative development, which supported the decision to construct the diagnostic tool through a flexible and usercentered approach Meanwhile, the Measurement domain reinforces the importance of using indicators, metrics and feedback loops precisely the elements evaluated and strengthened through the tool’s implementation
Finally, the Delivery domain highlights the need to ensure that outcomes genuinely produce value The project’s final product the digital assessment tool aims to deliver value by enabling the Sanatorio to conduct regular, structured evaluations of its strategic management performance This is consistent with PMBOK’s emphasis on outcomes rather than outputs
In conclusion, PMBOK 7 provides a practical and adaptable framework that fits naturally with the needs of public-sector strategic management projects. The principles and domains offer guidance that is not prescriptive, but instead encourages reflective decisionmaking, institutional strengthening and continuous improvement. The application of these concepts was essential for shaping a project that not only identifies gaps in strategic direction, but also provides tools and insights to advance toward more coherent, transparent, and evidence-based institutional management
Estudiante: Jonhatan Elizalde Quintero
Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia UNAD
Escuela de Ciencias Administrativas, Contables, Económicas y de Negocios – ECACEN Especialización en Gestión de Proyectos 2025