The paper sets out criteria for the development of a project-management body of knowledge (pmbok). It describes the nature and history of project management, why there is need for a body of knowledge, and why the knowledge gained over time must be more effectively transferred in future. It notes that the underpinning of project management is getting things done , and yet that the essential need is to address the manner of how people do it . This shows the conflict between the scientific approach of reductionism and the psychological disciplines which respond more to the environmental-systems approach of relationships . The proposed pmbok model organises the contained knowledge for systematic examination and scope evaluation to produce a firm foundation. Inclusive and exclusive criteria are presented together with a broad, open basis for the collection of content. Specific criteria are abstracted to a convenient reference sidebar .