HKSM

An organized structure of concepts, principles, and facts that underpins and guides how a specific approach is carried out.

Key Points

• Provides guidance and boundaries, not a rigid step-by-step method.
• Creates common terminology and expectations across teams.
• Is adaptable; teams tailor practices to fit their context.
• Often defines roles, artifacts, and events while leaving techniques to the team.

Example

A company adopts Scrum as its framework. Scrum supplies roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers), events (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, Retrospective), and artifacts (Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment). Each team then chooses techniques like story points or Kanban-style boards to fit their needs while staying within the Scrum framework.

PMP Example Question

Which option best describes a framework in project management?

1. A prescriptive set of step-by-step procedures that must be followed without deviation.
2. A toolbox of software applications used to automate project tasks.
3. A structured set of guiding concepts that shapes how an approach is executed while allowing tailoring.
4. A detailed schedule that sequences project activities from start to finish.

Correct Answer: C — A structured set of guiding concepts that shapes how an approach is executed while allowing tailoring

Explanation: A framework provides structure and guidance but is not a fully prescriptive method; it allows adaptation to the project context.