Section Management in : Inputs, Outputs, and Tailoring

PMBOK v8 Definition

Section Management refers to the structured organization of the PMBOK® Guide into four core sections: Project Management Performance Domains, Tailoring, Inputs and Outputs, and Models, Methods, and Artifacts. The Inputs and Outputs section presents brief descriptions of assets and artifacts used as sample inputs to, or sample outputs of, project management activities and processes throughout the performance domains. These elements are neither intended to be comprehensive nor required for any given project—they are commonly used selections from countless options available to project teams.

Why It Matters for the Exam

The PMI exam frequently tests your understanding that PMBOK v8 provides sample inputs and outputs, not mandatory checklists. Questions often assess whether you recognize that tailoring determines what artifacts are actually needed for a specific project. This appears in situational questions where you must select appropriate outputs for a given context, and in questions distinguishing between "required" and "commonly used" elements.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Not Comprehensive: The inputs and outputs listed are sample selections, not exhaustive requirements for any project
• Not Required: No specific artifact is mandatory—project teams choose what is appropriate
• Commonly Used: Elements are offered as commonly used options from countless available choices
• Four Core Sections: PMBOK v8 contains (1) Performance Domains, (2) Tailoring, (3) Inputs and Outputs, (4) Models, Methods, and Artifacts
• Tailoring Determines Selection: The tailoring section guides how to select appropriate inputs/outputs for individual projects
• Performance Domains Integration: Inputs and outputs support the seven integrated performance domains
• Reference Numbers: Numbers in brackets refer to the list of references at the end of the PMBOK® Guide

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager is planning a small, low-risk software upgrade. The team asks which documents are mandatory for this project. Based on PMBOK v8, the project manager should respond that the inputs and outputs listed are sample options, and the team should tailor their selection to the project's specific needs rather than requiring all possible artifacts.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Assuming all inputs/outputs listed in PMBOK are mandatory for every project

  • Reality: PMBOK v8 explicitly states these are "neither intended to be comprehensive, nor required for any given project"

• Trap: Confusing "sample outputs" with "complete list of deliverables"

  • Reality: The elements are "commonly used selections from among the countless options" teams can implement

• Trap: Thinking PMBOK v8 prescribes specific templates or formats for artifacts

  • Reality: PMBOK v8 provides descriptions, not mandatory templates—teams determine appropriate formats

• Trap: Believing the Inputs and Outputs section is separate from the Performance Domains

  • Reality: These inputs/outputs support activities and processes throughout the performance domains

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. According to PMBOK v8, are the inputs and outputs listed in the guide required for every project? Why or why not?

2. A project team asks for the complete list of mandatory project artifacts. What should you tell them based on PMBOK v8?

3. What are the four core sections of the PMBOK® Guide Eighth Edition?

4. How does the Tailoring section relate to the selection of inputs and outputs?

5. What do the numbers in brackets refer to in the PMBOK® Guide?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 1 – Introduction (specifically Section 1.1 Structure of the PMBOK® Guide and the description of "Inputs and Outputs" as one of four core sections)

Section 3 – Inputs and Outputs (describes sample inputs to and sample outputs of project management activities and processes)