n project management, a process refers to a set of interrelated activities or steps that are performed in order to achieve specific project goals. These processes guide how a project is planned, executed, and monitored. They are usually grouped into five main process groups:
1. Initiating Process Group
- Purpose: Defines and authorizes the project or project phase.
- Key activities:
- Develop Project Charter
- Identify Stakeholders
- Define high-level project objectives
- Outcome: A clear project direction and the assignment of resources.
2. Planning Process Group
- Purpose: Establishes the scope, objectives, and procedures to achieve the project goals.
- Key activities:
- Develop Project Management Plan
- Define Scope
- Create Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Plan Schedule, Budget, and Resources
- Risk Management Planning
- Communication Planning
- Outcome: A comprehensive plan that outlines how the project will be executed, monitored, and closed.
3. Executing Process Group
- Purpose: Implements the plan by coordinating people and resources, managing stakeholder expectations, and performing the work required.
- Key activities:
- Direct and Manage Project Work
- Perform Quality Assurance
- Acquire and Develop Teams
- Manage Communications and Stakeholder Expectations
- Outcome: Project deliverables are created, and stakeholders are engaged.
4. Monitoring and Controlling Process Group
- Purpose: Tracks, reviews, and regulates project performance, identifying variances from the plan and taking corrective actions.
- Key activities:
- Monitor and Control Project Work
- Integrated Change Control
- Risk Monitoring and Control
- Scope Validation
- Schedule and Cost Control
- Outcome: Ensures that project objectives are met by maintaining control over scope, quality, and timelines.
5. Closing Process Group
- Purpose: Formalizes project completion, ensuring all project work is completed, and closing any contracts or agreements.
- Key activities:
- Close Project or Phase
- Finalize all deliverables and hand them over to the customer or stakeholders
- Document lessons learned
- Close any contracts or procurement activities
- Outcome: The project is officially closed, and all contracts, documents, and approvals are completed.
Each of these groups contains individual processes that need to be performed to ensure the project meets its objectives. These processes are tailored depending on the project’s size, complexity, and industry. They may be iterative and may overlap throughout the project lifecycle.
