Establishing a Department of Defense Program Management Body of Knowledge

This research project developed a common body of knowledge for the field of acquisition program management in the Department of Defense (DoD)., The Defense Program Management Body of Knowledge (DBOK) is a compilation of all knowledge areas that a program manager must know understand to be effective. Three methods were used to develop a hypothetical model DBOK: (1) an exhaustive review of project management literature, (2) curricula review of DoD acquisition management educational institutions, and (3) expert review. The hypothetical model was validated with a survey administered by the Project Management Institute to all directors and deputy directors of Major Defense Acquisition (Category I) programs in the DoD. Of 148 surveys mailed, 53 were returned for response rate of 36%. The survey results prioritize all elements of the DBOK and identify acute training needs of the respondents. The resulting DBOK is a validated knowledge baseline for the acquisition program management profession. As such, it is a suitable standard for accrediting DoD program management educational institutions that teach DoD program management, and for certification of program managers across the DoD.