Project Management in the Industry 4.0 And 5.0: A Comparative Analysis of Recent PMBOK Editions

Abstract

This study comparatively analyzes the PMBOK Guide’s 6th, 7th, and upcoming 8th editions through qualitative and quantitative content analysis. It traces the evolution from PMBOK 6’s process-oriented framework to PMBOK 7’s principles-based approach. PMBOK 8 (expected 2026) synthesizes these into a hybrid model, with explicit focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable project management. The analysis reveals a progressive shift towards value delivery, enhanced governance, strategic resource management, and stakeholder-centric value creation, increasingly integrating human dynamics and expert judgment. This evolution aligns project management standards with the complex, human-technology integrated demands of Industries 4.0 and 5.0.