PMI David I. Cleland Project Management Literature Award

The PMI David I. Cleland Project Management Literature Award recognizes the author(s) of a published book that significantly advances project management knowledge, concepts, and practice.

PMI David I. Cleland Project Management Literature Award

The PMI David I. Cleland Project Management Literature Award recognizes the author(s) of a published book that significantly advances project management knowledge, concepts, and practice.
Selection criteria

Criterion 1

The nominated book contributes important knowledge, ideas, and techniques which are likely to have a lasting influence. 

Criterion 2

The book develops concepts, techniques, and outcomes; it’s likely to become an important point of reference in project management or a sub-field.

Criterion 3

The book has the potential to impact practice, from direct application to policy and/or practice to influencing perspectives.

Criterion 4

The argument, line of reasoning, or analysis is sound and effectively presented.

Key dates
Winter 2024 - Nominations open
Spring 2025 – Finalists notified
September 2025 - Winners announced

The nominated book must have been published in English during the previous calendar year in a field relevant to project management.

  • The book may come from academic or practitioner literature.
  • Author(s) do not need to be PMI members.
  • For books that are not first editions, only the substantive changes since the preceding edition will be considered as eligible material and should be highlighted in the nomination packet.

However, a few types of books are ineligible for the award.

  • Books authored or co-authored by a current PMI team member
  • Books authored by a PMI team member based on their contracted work/activity
  • Textbooks
  • Edited books
  • Standards of accrediting bodies, including those of PMI
  • Books authored by individuals or organizations that have failed to comply with PMI policies and procedures, including PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Current members of PMI’s Board of Directors or PMI’s Academic Insight Team (AIT) may not participate in nomination or evaluation.

The nominated book must have been published in English during the previous calendar year in a field relevant to project management.

  • The book may come from academic or practitioner literature.
  • Author(s) do not need to be PMI members.
  • For books that are not first editions, only the substantive changes since the preceding edition will be considered as eligible material and should be highlighted in the nomination packet.

However, a few types of books are ineligible for the award.

  • Books authored or co-authored by a current PMI team member
  • Books authored by a PMI team member based on their contracted work/activity
  • Textbooks
  • Edited books
  • Standards of accrediting bodies, including those of PMI
  • Books authored by individuals or organizations that have failed to comply with PMI policies and procedures, including PMI's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Current members of PMI’s Board of Directors or PMI’s Academic Insight Team (AIT) may not participate in nomination or evaluation.