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What is a community of practice?

A Community of Practice (abbreviated as CoP) is a group of dedicated chapter members who regularly exchange ideas on a specific topic and work together to develop practical knowledge. 
 
The focus is always on the „P“ for Practice—that is, what actually works in real life. 
 
Communities of Practice (CoPs) combine expertise with the sharing of experiences and help develop new ideas, concepts, and tools that can be used directly in day-to-day project work. 
 
In this podcast with Thomas Wuttke, Jörg Glunde explains exactly what a CoP is and how they came to be in the PMI Germany Chapter. 

What types of CoPs are there?

1. Topic-Based CoPs
They focus on a specific project management topic (e.g., AI, risk management, or Agile).

2. Industry CoPs
They address the challenges facing a specific industry (e.g., life sciences).

Here are two podcast episodes that explain the differences in a practical and easy-to-understand way:

The CoP PMO (Community of Practice) (110)
CoP Pharma – Projects in the Biotech Sector (105)

How do CoPs work?

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    Monthly meetings (usually online)
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    Active Participation: Exchange, Discussions, Practical Examples
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    CoP leads coordinate the group, with support from the CoP team
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    Open to all chapter members
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    Limited opportunity to publish results or organize sessions on your own

What kinds of CoPs are there?

We are currently working with a growing number of CoPs that specialize in various topics and industries. They are created and sustained by the dedication of our volunteers.

CoP Power Skills

(General Project Management CoP)

The CoP Power Skills focuses on cross-functional skills in project management—from communication, leadership, and problem-solving to critical thinking and emerging trends such as sustainability and AI.

The group works on real-world problems, analyzes experiences from various industries, and develops ideas that can be directly applied to projects. The results are shared in sessions, articles, or presentations.

Facts & Contact

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    Format: online
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    Frequency: monthly

CoP Lean-Agile

The Lean-Agile CoP is a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and deepening knowledge of Lean and Agile. The Lean-Agile CoP is a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and deepening knowledge of Lean and Agile.

It helps users work more agilely and leaner Methods, beginners who want to implement these methods, and members seeking PMI-ACP® certification. Regular meetings focus on active exchange: discussions, collaborative learning, the development of best practices, and the application of agile methods in traditional, hybrid, and multi-project environments....

Facts & Contact

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    Format: online
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    Frequency: monthly

CoP Risk Management

The Risk Management CoP provides a structured forum for discussing methods, tools, and best practices for managing risks in projects, programs, and organizations.

The group works with real-world case studies, develops templates and guidelines, and examines how risk management is implemented in practice across various industries. Expert presentations and moderated discussions complement the group’s collaborative work.

Facts & Contact

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    Format: Online and, if applicable, in person
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    Frequency: every two to three months

CoP Artificial Intelligence

The CoP AI builds knowledge about how artificial intelligence influences projects, project management, and the job description and work of project managers.

It serves to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences and to build a network. The group organizes presentations, discussions, and workshops on topics such as the impact of AI on project management, changes in job roles, and the training of female project managers. A key focus is on building knowledge regarding AI in the Project Management.

Facts & Contact

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    Format: Online
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    Frequency: The goal is to meet once a month
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    Contacts: Wolfgang Friesike and
    Bernhard Schwab
    Get in touch

CoP Energy

CoP Energy is helping to shape the transformation of the energy industry and provides support through effective project management in transformation, infrastructure, and digitalization projects.

The group analyzes complex project structures, shares best practices, and develops tools that make energy projects more successful under economic and regulatory conditions. The exchange includes real-world examples, model approaches, and reference projects.

Facts & Contact

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    Format: Online
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    Frequency: every 6–8 weeks

CoP: Pragmatic Multi-Project Management for SMEs

This CoP develops practical approaches for SMEs that need to implement digital transformation, ESG, the AI Act, or product development initiatives alongside their day-to-day operations.

The focus is on pragmatic multi-project management that does not rely on complex PM structures and offers tools that can be implemented quickly. The group is aimed specifically at decision-makers and project managers from small and medium-sized businesses.

Facts & Contact

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    Format: Online
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    Frequency: Quarterly

CoP IT Strategy

The CoP IT Strategy combines project portfolio management, enterprise architecture, and strategic IT and business management. Through keynote presentations, discussions, and think sessions, experienced experts connect with interested participants.

DThe group develops and evaluates best practices, compares models with real-world experience, and continuously improves methods through collaboration with companies, academia, and professional associations. The goal is to provide practical tools and validated approaches that can be directly applied in transformation and digitalization projects. The results are shared through presentations, webinars, and professional articles.

Facts & Contact

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    Format: Online meetings (Microsoft Teams, 90 minutes) and in-person sessions in collaboration with the local groups
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    Frequency: Four online meetings per year, plus one in-person event annually