Foundations
Project Management Framework & Process Groups
What a project is, the five process groups, and the role of the project manager.
Project vs. Operations
A PROJECT is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. 'Temporary' means it has a definite start and end; 'unique' means it isn't routine.
OPERATIONS are ongoing and repetitive. Projects end when objectives are met (or it's clear they won't be). A PROGRAM is a group of related projects managed together; a PORTFOLIO is a collection of projects/programs aligned to strategic goals.
The Five Process Groups
1. INITIATING — define and authorize the project (project charter). 2. PLANNING — define scope, schedule, cost, and the management plans. 3. EXECUTING — do the work and produce deliverables. 4. MONITORING & CONTROLLING — track, review, and regulate progress; manage changes. 5. CLOSING — formally finish the project or phase.
These groups overlap and iterate — Monitoring & Controlling runs throughout.
The PM's Role
The project manager leads the team and is accountable for achieving the objectives, balancing the competing constraints (scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, risk).
A SPONSOR provides resources and authority and champions the project. STAKEHOLDERS are anyone affected by the project. Modern PMI emphasizes servant leadership — removing obstacles and enabling the team.
📖 Key Terms
- Project
- A temporary endeavor that creates a unique product, service, or result.
- Process group
- Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing.
- Project charter
- The document that formally authorizes the project and the PM.
- Sponsor
- The person providing resources, authority, and championing the project.
💡 Exam Tips
- ▸A project is TEMPORARY and creates a UNIQUE result.
- ▸Five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing.
- ▸The project charter authorizes the project and the PM.
- ▸Monitoring & Controlling occurs throughout the project.