2.2 Benefits, Value, and Sustainability

Value is the net result of realized benefits minus the costs required to achieve them. In 2026, value includes ethical and sustainable dimensions, not just profit.

---

💎 The Value Equation

Traditional PM focused on Scope, Time, and Cost. The modern PM focuses on the Triple Bottom Line:

Profit

Does the project make financial sense? (ROI, NPV, Cost Savings).

People

Does it improve lives for the community and employees? (Social Impact).

Planet

Is it environmentally sustainable? (Carbon footprint, Waste reduction).

---

🔄 Benefits Realization

Value isn't usually realized until after the project ends. BRM bridges that gap.

1. Identify: Define the metric upfront (e.g., "Reduce processing time by 20%").
2. Execute: Focus the team on features that drive that metric.
3. Sustain: Hand over the "Benefits Plan" to operations so they can track it long-term.

💡 The Benefits Owner

A critical role. This is the business person (not the PM) who is responsible for ensuring the deliverables actually generate revenue/savings after the project closes.

---

🌱 ESG: Integration, Not Add-on

In 2026, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is a constraint.

• Environmental: Choosing a "Green" cloud provider or reducing material waste.
• Social: Ensuring fair wages in the supply chain.
• Governance: Strict adherence to anti-corruption laws.

---

📝 Exam Insight: If a stakeholder suggests a cheaper vendor who has a history of human rights violations, the PM must **reject** the vendor based on the organization's ESG/Code of Ethics policy. Profit does not trump ethics on the PMP exam.