What is Project Management?
PM [Project Management] is the use of knowledge, skills and methodologies to accomplish the goals of a production workflow with efficiency and effectiveness.
A general methodology of PM [Project Management] is outlined by the PMBOK [Project Management Body of Knowledge] and submitted by the PMI [Project Management Institute]. It uses nine knowledge areas to manage a project such as: Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resource, Communications, Risk and Procurement Management.
Another interesting methodology of PM is called Six Sigma. It is focused on total quality management and customer satisfaction. Six Sigma tends to give higher returns on investment. Six Sigma uses the DMAIC problem solving model. Six Sigma can and usually is used along the side of another PM methodology.
The one PM methodology that seems to work hand-in-hand with Six Sigma is called LEAN. LEAN tends to focus on wastes, processes and optimizing them.
Project Management Lifecycle
Lifecycle phases generally include: Conceptual, Planning, Testing, Implementation and Closure.
Project Management Process Groups
The Project Management Process Groups are: Initiating Process Group, Planning Process Group, Executing Process Group, Monitoring and Controlling Process Group, and the Closing Process Group.
Initiating Process Group
Defines and authorizes the project or a project phase.
Planning Process Group
Defines and refines objectives, and plans the course of action required to attain the objectives and scope that the project was undertaken to address.
Executing Process Group
Integrates people and other resources to carry out the project management plan for the project.
Monitoring and Controlling Process Group
Regularly measures and monitors progress to identify variances from the project management plan so that corrective action can be taken when necessary to meet project objectives.
Closing Process Group
Formalizes acceptance of the product, service or result and brings the project or project phase to an orderly end.
Project Management Knowledge Areas
The Project Management Process Groups are grouped into nine Project Management Knowledge Areas. The nine knowledge areas of Project Management are: Project Integration Management, Project Scope Management, Project Time Management, Project Cost management, Project Quality Management, Project Human Resource Management, Project Communications Management, Project Risk Management, and Project Procurement Management.
Project Integration Management
Describes the process and activities that integrate the various elements of project management, which are identified, defined, combined, unified and coordinated within the Project management Process Groups.
Project Scope Management
Describes the processes involved in ascertaining that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project successfully.
Project Time Management
Describes the processes concerning the timely completion of the project.
Project Cost Management
Describes the processes involved in planning, estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs so that the project is completed within the approved budget.
Project Quality Management
Describes the processes involved in assuring that the project will satisfy the objectives for which it was undertaken.
Project Human Resource Management
Describes the processes that organize and manage the project team.
Project Communications Management
Describes the processes concerning the timely and appropriate generation, collection, dissemination, storage, and ultimate disposition of project management information.
Project Risk Management
Describes the processes concerned with conducting risk management on a project.
Project Procurement Management
Describes the processes that purchase or acquire products, services or results, as well as contract management processes.
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