A project management process groups progress from initiating activities to planning activities, executing activities, monitoring and controlling activities, and closing activities.
Initiating Process Group
Initiating processes include defining and authorizing a project or a project phase. It takes place during each phase of a project. Usually before initiating each group, senior managers should meet to accomplish the following tasks: determine the scope, time, and cost constraint for the project, identify the project sponsor, select the project manager, talk with manager to review the process and expectations, decide if the project should be divided into smaller projects. Setting clear phases for work to be completed, initializing teams, and having the budget in place before work begins are vital for a strong start to any project across industry.
Planning Process Group
The Planning Process Group sets forth the processes needed to define the scope of the project, set strategic plans in place to maximize workflow, and begin to assemble priority lists and plan team needs. It includes devising and maintaining a workable plan to ensure that the project addresses the organization’s need. Projects include several plans, such as the scope management plan, schedule management plan, cost management plan, and procurement management plan. For example, the cost management plan will focuses on estimate costs to finish the project within the scope of budget. These plans target each knowledge area relate to the whole project at a certain time. Since the conditions of the project and in the organization always change. The team often needs to revise plans during each phase of the project life cycle.
Executing Process Group
The executing process group includes coordinating people and other resources to carry out various plans and create the products, services, or results of the project or phase. Project managers need to have high degree of organization and communication skill in order to complete the task on time, on budget.
Monitoring and Control Process Group
The goal of monitoring and control process group is to ensure the project team meets the project objectives through regularly measuring and monitoring progress. It is important to report performance so project stakeholders can adjust anything to keep project on track.
Closing Process Group
Closing project processes include formalizing acceptance of the project or project phase and ending it effectively. The Closing Process Group addresses the culmination of strong project management skills demonstrated throughout the other interrelated processes that guided the project. It is also important to submit necessary paperwork as end of the project. Good closure brings great reviews and can increase future word of mouth referrals.
