A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)—Third Edition outlines the standards and methodologies generally applicable to all types of projects. Some important project management principles are not common among or relevant to all project types, however. Project managers can obtain information about principles related to more specific project types by referring to extensions, such as the Construction Extension to the PMBOK® Guide Third Edition.

The construction industry calls for a unique type of project management, as many projects require large amounts of materials, physical tools and labor, and involve numerous and diverse stakeholders. Also, construction projects often affect—or are affected by—the environment. Due to these and other characteristics specific to construction projects, the Project Management Institute (PMI) has produced the Construction Extension. The book aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of construction project management. Like other extensions, the book is meant to be a companion to the PMBOK® Guide—Third Edition, rather than a stand-alone document.

In addition, the Construction Extension provides materials directly related to the construction industry that are not offered in the PMBOK® Guide—Third Edition, including the following.

Safety Management – the processes required to ensure that accidents are prevented and personal injury and property damage are avoided
Environmental Management – the practices necessary to ensure that the project follows all laws and regulations pertaining to the environment affected by the project
Financial Management – the steps needed to acquire and manage the financial resources for the project
Claim Management – the processes required to prevent or eliminate construction claims from arising

The primary purpose of the PMBOK® Guide is to identify the standards of project management that are generally accepted. The Construction Extension supports this goal by identifying the generally accepted practices within the unique realm of construction project management.