The PMI framework of project management consists of 49 processes which are categorized in 10 knowledge areas as set out in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®, 6th edition). This is based on the philosophy that project management consists of a one-off and recurring processes for which the PMBOK describes common good practices. Show
When you are managing a project in line with the PMI methodology or when you are preparing for your CAPM or PMP certification exam, you will need to be familiar with these processes and knowledge areas. This article provides you with an overview of the 10 knowledge areas and 49 processes in a nutshell (source: PMBOK®, 6th ed.) Overview of the PMBOK Knowledge AreasThe following table contains the 10 knowledge areas and the 49 processes:
Read on to find a short description of each of these processes “in a nutshell”. 1) Project Integration ManagementDevelop Project CharterIn this process, a project charter is developed that authorizes the project and links it with the strategic objectives of the organization. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Cost-Benefit Analysis for Business Cases (Definition, Steps, Example) What Is the Net Present Value (NPV) & How Is It Calculated? Develop Project Management PlanThe content and goal of this process are defining, preparing and coordinating all plan components, Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Direct and Manage Project WorkThis process comprises leading and performing the work that was defined in the project management plan as well as implementing approved changes, Frequency: ongoing Manage Project KnowledgeThis process describes the use of existing and the creation of new pieces of knowledge in order to achieve the project objectives and support organizational learning. Frequency: ongoing Monitor and Control Project WorkIn this process, the overall progress is tracked, reviewed and reported to meet the performance objectives defined in the project management plan. Frequency: ongoing Perform Integrated Change ControlThe content of this process is reviewing all change requests, getting approval for changes, and managing changes to deliverables, documents and plans. This also includes the communication of those changes. Frequency: ongoing Close Project or PhaseIn the ‘close’ process, all activities of a project, a phase or a contract are finalized. This includes archiving project or phase information as well as releasing team resources Frequency: once or at specified points during the project 2) Project Scope ManagementPlan Scope ManagementThe goal of this process is to create a scope management plan that sets out the framework of the definition, validation and controlling of the project and product scope. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Collect RequirementsIn this process, the determination, documentation, and management of stakeholder needs and requirements are performed in order to meet the project objectives. This process helps create the foundation of the project and product scope. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Define ScopeThis process is about developing a detailed description of the project and product, incl. the result boundaries and acceptance criteria. Frequency: n/a Create WBSCreating the work breakdown structure means breaking down project deliverables and project work into relatively small and manageable components. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Scope Baseline: Definition | Example | 4-Step Guide | Uses This process formalizes the acceptance of the completed project deliverables. It sets out the objectivity and the procedure of acceptance of the final product based on the acceptance of each deliverable. Frequency: when necessary Control ScopeThis process sets out the monitoring of the project status and product scope as well as the management of changes to the scope baseline. It also ensures that the scope baseline is accurately maintained and updated ongoing. Frequency: ongoing 3) Project Schedule ManagementPlan Schedule ManagementThis process contains the establishment of policies, procedures, and documentation of the project schedule management. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Define ActivitiesIn this process, the actions needed to produce the project deliverables are identified and defined. Frequency: ongoing Sequence ActivitiesThis process comprises the identification and documentation of the relationships among the project activities. Frequency: ongoing Estimate Activity DurationsIn this process, the durations to perform each activity are estimated. Frequency: ongoing Estimating Activity Durations: Definition, Methods, Practical Uses Three-Point Estimating and PERT Distribution (Cost & Time Estimation) Develop ScheduleWhen developing the project schedule, activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints are taken into consideration. Frequency: ongoing Project Schedule Baseline: Definition | Purpose | Example Control ScheduleThis process defines the monitoring of the project status in order to update the project schedule as well as the management of changes to the schedule baseline. Frequency: ongoing Schedule & Cost Performance Index, with Formulae & Examples (SPI/CPI) 4) Project Cost ManagementPlan Cost ManagementThis process is about defining the approaches and procedures to estimate, budget, manage, monitor and control project costs. Frequency: n/a Estimate CostsIn this process, an approximation of the cost of required resources is estimated. Frequency: when necessary Estimating Cost of a Project: Techniques and Examples Three-Point Estimating and PERT Distribution (Cost & Time Estimation) Determine BudgetAggregation of the estimated cost of all activities and work packages which is the foundation of the authorized cost baseline. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Control CostsThis process is about monitoring, managing and updating actual and planned project costs as well as the cost baseline. Frequency: ongoing Earned Value Analysis & Management (EVA/EVM) – Definition & Formulae Estimate at Completion (EAC) – with Formulae & Examples 5) Project Quality ManagementPlan Quality ManagementIn this process, quality requirements and standards are identified. One of the outputs is the documentation of how they are maintained ongoing. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Cost of Quality (COQ) – Cost of Conformance vs. Cost of Non-Conformance Manage QualityThis process is the transformation of the quality management plan into individual activities that incorporate the quality requirements/standards into the project. Thus, it facilitates achieving the quality goals and identifying ineffective processes and causes of poor quality. Frequency: ongoing Control QualityThe content of this process is the monitoring and controlling of the results of quality management activities. This also includes verifying that project deliverables and the project work are in line with the requirements for final acceptance. Frequency: ongoing 6) Project Resource ManagementPlan Resource ManagementThis process is about defining how the team and physical resources will be estimated, acquired, managed, and used during the project. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Estimate Activity ResourcesThis process contains the estimation of the team headcount and physical resources that are needed to perform project work. Frequency: recurring, when necessary Acquire ResourcesIn this process, team members are hired and on-boarded and physical resources are acquired. This includes the selection of sources as well as the assignment of resources to specific activities. Frequency: when necessary Develop TeamThis process aims to improve skills and competencies, interactions and the environment of project teams in order to enhance the overall project performance. Frequency: ongoing Manage TeamThis process includes performance tracking, feedback, and management of changes and adjustments to the project team. Frequency: ongoing Control ResourcesThis process helps ensure that the physical resources are available and utilized as planned. This may also include corrective actions if required. Frequency: ongoing 7) Project Communications ManagementPlan Communications ManagementIn this process, the approach and plan for project communications are developed. Thereby, stakeholders’ and the project’s information needs as well as available organizational assets are taken into account. Frequency: recurring, when necessary Number of Communication Channels (+ PMP Formula & Calculator) Manage CommunicationsManage communications is the ongoing process of ensuring timely and appropriate communication in order to facilitate an efficient and effective information flow between the project team and stakeholders. Frequency: ongoing Monitor CommunicationsThis process makes sure that the information needs of the project and the stakeholders are met properly and timely. Frequency: ongoing 8) Project Risk ManagementPlan Risk ManagementThis process comprises the planning of risk management activities for the project which includes tailoring of risk management considerations to the individual situation. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Identify RisksThis process focuses on identifying and documenting individual risks as well as sources of overall project risks. Frequency: ongoing Perform Qualitative Risk AnalysisIn the process of qualitative risk analysis, the probability and the potential impact of individual project risks are assessed, which is the basis for their prioritization. Frequency: ongoing Perform Quantitative Risk AnalysisThis process consists of statistical analyses (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation) of identified individual project risks and other sources of ambiguity or uncertainty. This is typically not applied to small or less critical projects. Frequency: ongoing Plan Risk ResponsesIn this process, the ways to address overall and individual project risks are identified and assessed, incl. definition of activities as potential risk responses. Frequency: ongoing Implement Risk ResponsesThis process is conducted when risks require a response, i.e. the previously selected risk responses (activities) are implemented. Frequency: ongoing Monitor RisksIn this process, risk responses and identified risks are monitored and tracked. In addition, new risks are identified and assessed. Frequency: ongoing 9) Project Procurement ManagementPlan Procurement ManagementPlanning procurement management includes documenting the way project procurement decisions are made, specifying the approach and identifying potential sellers. Frequency: once or at specified points during the project Conduct ProcurementsThis process comprises selecting a seller and implementing the agreements and contracts for delivery. Frequency: recurring, when necessary Control ProcurementsIn this process, procurement relationships are managed and contract performance is monitored. This may also extend to changes and corrections as well as closing out contracts. Frequency: when necessary 10) Project Stakeholder ManagementIdentify StakeholdersThis process implies identifying stakeholders and their respective interests, involvement, power, and potential impact on the project. Frequency: recurring, when necessary Plan Stakeholder EngagementThis planning process is about developing how to involve stakeholders and how to interact effectively with them during the project. Frequency: recurring, when necessary Manage Stakeholder EngagementThe management of stakeholder engagement includes communicating and working with stakeholders to meet their needs and expectations. The goal of this process is to ensure their support and reduce resistance from stakeholders. Frequency: ongoing Monitor Stakeholder EngagementThis process describes the monitoring of relationships and the adjustment of strategies in order to engage stakeholders in an optimal way. Frequency: ongoing Stakeholder Engagement Matrix: Definition, Example, Uses [PMP®-relevant] |