International Standard on Project Management?

PMBOK is the de facto project management approach in America and in the most of the world. However, PRINCE2 has a long history in UK and most of Europe countries. PRINCE2 is still in use in government bodies and large organization in Europe. Australia has adopted both PMBOK and PRINCE2 in managing projects. Interestingly, Australia has its own National Project Management Competency framework and certification. If you are managing projects in Japan or dealing with Japanese projects, it is worth to learn about P2M, the Japanese Project and Programme management framework. Many people is not aware that IPMA, International Project Management Association has a longer history than PMI. IPMA has more than 40 countries members, playing an important role in promoting project management internationally.
Adding to the confusion, there are other industrial project management approaches as well: Agile, RUP, Extreme Project Management, CMMI, Critical Chain etc

ISO has an initiative to draft out the International Standard on Project Management (ISO 21500) but the standard will only be available in 2012. The Standard has a big vision and planning to provide a common platform and common language to all project management professionals in the world. It will act as a reference point for project management in terms of principles, processes and terminologies.

In my opinion, there is no one size to fits all project management approach in the world. ultimately, it is all about what the customer want. ISO 21500 could only treated as a reference and I believe other project management approaches will still co-exist in project management world.

Please share your view on which project management methodology or approach do you use? PMBOK, PRINCE2, Agile, Customized or hybrid model? Do you support or against the International Standard on Project Management?

If you are dealing with international projects, which project management certification would you recommend? PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, CPM, RegPM?

Welcome to share your view. Thanks and cheers!