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This is not simply a compilation of what others have told an author in interviews,
nor is it based on limited experience. The ABPMP CBOK® is practical and represents
down‐to‐earth discussion a wide range of BPM topics.
As with all emerging disciplines or approaches, terminology and concepts are
anything but standardized. The variances are evident in ABPMP meetings and in
discussions at conferences, so the terminology used in this Body of Knowledge will
certainly follow suit. Recognizing this growing pain in the BPM industry, ABPMP
provides a glossary with definitions at the end of this book. In addition, we are in the
process of creating a broader coverage of terminology and definitions in a BPM
dictionary. Until the industry can mature and standardize, it will be necessary to
consider terms in each chapter and how they align to the ones you are used to using.
The result of the approach taken in producing this third version is a “how to” look at
topics that we hope will introduce new ideas and concepts to those who read it.
As parts of a common body of knowledge, the chapters are semi‐independent of one
another. Each covers a specific area of BPM. While much can be gained by reading
the book front to back, cover to cover, it is meant to be much more. The organization
of the book promotes not only a general reading, but also its use as a reference that
helps the reader address different aspects of BPM projects. Because it is a
compendium of knowledge and experience on BPM and business change, it should
be consulted as needed for focusing on different areas at different phases in a
project.
As with any discussion on BPM and business transformation, we expect this
information to become dated. This book addresses the current and near‐future BPM
world. It represents a solid discussion on what works, by people who must deliver
its uses every day. But the concepts, techniques, and tools are changing, and ABPMP
is committed as an association to keeping up with this change. The result is that we
are planning to send periodic updates of this Common Body of Knowledge to our
members. Of course updates will only take us so far, and we know that a fourth and
eventually fifth version will be needed.
On behalf of the Association of Business Process Professionals, I thank you for
engaging in this discussion on BPM. Please join us as a member and share your
experiences at our local chapter meetings or across our membership. I think you
will enjoy these discussions with your peers.
Tony Benedict, CBPP
President, ABPMP International