The Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, today announced the release of the highly anticipated 8th edition of the APM Body of Knowledge. This definitive guide, a cornerstone resource for project management principles and practices for over three decades, has been updated to equip professionals with critical new insights for navigating today’s dynamic project landscape, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), leadership evolution, and the imperative of sustainability.
Building upon a strong legacy, the 8th edition addresses the evolving demands placed on project professionals as they drive innovation, transformation, and sustainable progress across industries. Informed by extensive consultation with APM members and industry stakeholders, the guide serves as an indispensable resource for a broad spectrum of professionals engaged in projects, programmes, and portfolios. The publication remains a core reference for individuals pursuing Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) status and a foundational text for academic research and education.
Milla Mazilu, APM Chair, stated, “The eighth edition of the APM Body of Knowledge is an indispensable resource for project professionals navigating the complexities of today’s world. This new edition reflects the growing challenges our profession faces, with a particular focus on innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. Project professionals are increasingly at the forefront of driving long-term, meaningful change across sectors, organisations, and communities. This guide empowers them to meet those expectations.”
A significant addition to the 8th edition is a dedicated chapter on artificial intelligence and data analytics. This section explores the transformative impact of emerging technologies on project environments, offering practical guidance on leveraging data for actionable insights, enhanced decision-making, performance tracking, and risk management. The guide also addresses crucial ethical considerations and the need for digital capability development across the profession, acknowledging the rapid advancement and responsible implementation of these tools.
Leadership is redefined in this edition as a dynamic set of behaviours and skills applicable at all levels within a project environment. The text emphasizes key leadership capabilities such as self-awareness, agility, and vision-setting, while also examining how leadership fosters inclusion, shapes culture, and enables teams to navigate uncertainty effectively. The guidance promotes situational leadership and the value of authentic, adaptive approaches rather than a rigid model.
Sustainability is now a central theme, aligned with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The 8th edition advocates for a regenerative approach to value, integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance alongside traditional project metrics. This reflects the project profession’s expanding role in addressing societal and environmental challenges, encouraging a shift towards long-term impact.
While incorporating these significant advancements, the 8th edition maintains a strong structural alignment with its predecessor, with new chapters introduced to provide strategic context for project-based work.
Professor Mike Bourne, Managing Editor of the Body of Knowledge 8th edition and Director of the UK Government’s Project Leadership Programme, commented, “This is more than a reference guide; it’s a call to action. Project professionals are being tasked with delivering faster, smarter, and more responsibly than ever before. This edition is crafted to support that challenge by encouraging reflection, enabling growth, and bridging the gap between strategy, practice, and measurable impact.”
The APM Body of Knowledge continues to be an essential resource for professionals at all career stages and for organizations seeking to embed professionalism, innovation, and resilience into their project delivery frameworks.
The 8th edition of the APM Body of Knowledge is now available for purchase via the APM website and major booksellers. For further information or to order a copy, please visit https://www.apm.org.uk/book-shop/apm-body-of-knowledge-8th-edition.
