The Project Management Institute (PMI) process groups are a framework of phases that guide project management from start to finish. These process groups, outlined in the PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), help project managers effectively plan, execute, and close projects.
- Initiating: This group involves defining the project at a high level and obtaining authorization to start the project. Key activities include developing the project charter and identifying stakeholders.
- Planning: In this group, the project’s goals, scope, and course of action are planned in detail. Activities include developing the project management plan, defining scope, creating the work breakdown structure (WBS), and setting up a project schedule and budget.
- Executing: This process group focuses on coordinating people and resources to carry out the project plan. It involves performing the work defined in the project management plan and ensuring quality standards are met.
- Monitoring and Controlling: This group involves tracking, reviewing, and regulating the progress and performance of the project. Key activities include measuring project performance, managing changes, and ensuring the project stays on track with respect to scope, time, cost, and quality.
- Closing: The final process group involves finalizing all project activities, delivering the project to the client or stakeholders, and formally closing the project. It includes tasks such as completing project documentation, obtaining final acceptance, and conducting post-project reviews.
Each process group is essential for successful project management, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget while meeting the desired quality standards. These groups are iterative and often overlap, depending on the project’s needs.