5.1 Project Management Process Groups

	A process is a sequence of performed actions to achieve a specific goal.
	Managing a project can be viewed as an execution of integrated processes to attain the project's goal/objectives.
	These integrated processes have been grouped into five major categories known as "Process Groups", including:

		Initiating,
		Planning,
		Executing,
		Monitoring and
		Closure.

Figure 5.1 illustrates the five project management Process Groups.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

Figure 5.1: Project Management Process Groups

These Process Groups describe any project from start to finish as well as providing a guide to deliver the project successfully.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

	The output from one process group may act as an input for the subsequent one, connecting these processes together.
	Processes may also overlap or be repeated throughout the project or the phase, as illustrated in figure 5.2.

Figure 5.2: Overlaps between the Project Management Process Groups

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

Initiation Process Group

		This is the first process group in the project's lifecycle, executed at the beginning of the project.
		Processes involved in this phase define a new project or a new phase in an existing project through gaining authorization for starting it.
		These processes include:

			Defining the project's objectives.
			Describing the project's scope of work.
			Generally estimating the project's duration, cost and the resources required.
			Identifying internal and external stakeholders.
			Identifying clearly the desired deliverables of customers and stakeholders.
			Defining assumptions and constraints.

		Typically, the initiation processes (approval, funding, etc.) are performed by individuals or groups outside the actual scope of control within the project.
		These individuals or groups are interested members but not controlling members of the organization.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

		The project management team may help in writing the project charter and may not be involved at all.
		Inputs to the initiation process group are:

			A statement of work or a contract provided by the project's sponsor.
			The organization environmental factors are also part of these inputs.

Output of this phase:

			A project charter which includes project objectives, the assigned project manager, budget and approach.
			A preliminary project scope statement is completed.

Planning Process Group

		The main purpose of the planning process group is to refine the project's objectives as well as defining the activities required for achieving these objectives.
		Other processes involved in this stage include:

			Establishing the scope of the project.
			Refining the information developed in the initiating process group.
			Review the required human resources for meeting the Project's needs.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

			Identifying potential risks and how will they be managed.
			Creating a quality management plan specifying how the project will adhere to the organizational quality policy.
			Creating a communication plan which describes all the communication needed within the project.
			Estimating the project's budget. This must include the cost of the project, the team recruited and all the other foreseeable expenses.
			Procurement strategies.

Inputs to the Planning Process Group are:

			The outputs of the Initiating Process Group.
			The Project Charter.
			The Preliminary Project Scope Statement.

The output of the Planning Process Group is the Project Management Plan.

Executing Process Group

At this stage the project team and all the other resources are integrated to execute the work defined in the project management plan.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

		Therefore, good coordination, communication and strong leadership skills are essential to successful project execution.
		The project manager also works closely with the project's team to ensure that the team is focused on carrying out the work of the project itself and avoids getting them involved in unnecessary issues.
		Processes involved in this stage include:

			Acquiring, developing and managing the project's team.
			Approaching subcontractors and vendors.
			Distributing project information in the form of reports about the project progress, quality and challenges encountered during the execution of the project plan.

		The input to the Executing Process Group is the Project Management Plan.
		The outputs of this phase are:

			The project deliverables.
			Preventive actions.
			Corrective actions.
			Implemented changes.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

Work performance information.

Monitoring and Controlling Process Group

		Monitoring the project to ensure that it is on track and within the estimated budget without compromising the quality of the deliverables, in addition to controlling the project's variances are needed for any project.
		Monitoring and controlling processes are carried out in parallel with all the other process groups, as this will aid in identifying any issues in its early stages, allowing for correction actions to be initiated to meet the project's needs.
		Other issues that are tracked and reviewed throughout the project's lifecycle are:

			Progress and performance of the project.
			Updates to the project management plan and the project scope.
			Any variances from the project's initial objectives, as this will allow for only approved changes to be made.
			Project's schedule, budget, quality and risk.

A well developed data collection and analyzing system is required at this process group to insure that the project progress is aligning with the project plan.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

Inputs to this process group are:

			The work management plan.
			Work performance information.
			The rejected and approved change requests.

The outputs are:

			The recommended corrective actions.
			The recommended preventive actions.
			The requested changes.

Closure Process Group

		Processes performed at this stage finalize all the activities across the project management process groups and closes out the project.
		Processes involved in this stage include:

Satisfying the terms of any outstanding contracts.

5.1 Project Management Process Groups

			Ensuring that the planning, executing and monitoring processes are complete.
			Ensuring that the deliverables are ready for handing off to the stakeholder or the customer.

The inputs to this process group are:

			The project management plan.
			The contract documentation.

The outputs are:

			The administrative closure procedure.
			The contract closure procedure.
			The deliverables.