Project Management Process Groups

As we discussed earlier in this chapter, work executed during the project can be expressed in specific groups of processes. Each project moves through each of the groups of processes, some more than once. These common collections of processes that the PMBOK defines are called process groups. Process groups serve to group together processes in a project that represent related tasks and mark a project's migration toward completion.

The five process groups defined by the PMBOK are

• Initiating Defines the project objectives and grants authority to the project manager

• Planning Refines the project objectives and scope and plans the steps necessary to meet the project's objectives

• Executing Puts the project plan into motion and performs the work of the project

• Monitoring and controlling Measures the performance of the executing activities and compares the results with the project plan

• Closing Documents the formal acceptance of the project's product and brings all aspects of the project to a close

Figure 1.5 depicts how the five process groups provide a framework for the project.

Figure 1.5. Process groups flow.

Each process group will be discussed in detail throughout the rest of this book. Be sure you are comfortable with how a project flows from inception through each of the process groups. The PMBOK, Third Edition has added new figures that depict process flows, inputs and outputs, and interaction between process groups. Look at the PMBOK, Third Edition Chapter 3 for these figures. Use them they will help you remember how the processes flow throughout the project.