This study verifies the application of the management practices proposed in the PMBOK to the construction management of two major hydroelectric power plants in Brazil. Using the case study method, this research has allowed to assess management pratices concerning twenty-three PMBOK's selected propositions. The direct observations, the documents surveys and the interviews - using the multiple-choice and the constructed-response questions - were the methods used to collect the required data and evidences. The job site managers, the executives of the head office and the consultant were interviewed so as to get different views of the information gathered. The research results attest that the management practices applied by managers in both studied projects are adherents to the PMBOK propositions. Moreover, it was possible to describe management practices related to time, cost, communication and to others relevant practices that were taken for granted by PMBOK. This study indicates that the references related to the project critical path, the project budget and the flexibility of the propositions of the PMBOK are among of prior aspects to be investigate in the future researches about project management.
Project management; Project excellence; Hydroelectric power plant construction; PMBOK; Complex projects
