Process: Develop Project Management Plan
Process Group: Planning
Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management
Purpose
The Develop Project Management Plan process involves defining, preparing, and coordinating all subsidiary plans into a single, cohesive document that serves as the blueprint for how the project will be executed, monitored, controlled, and closed. It integrates inputs from all knowledge areas and sets the framework for decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Inputs
- Project Charter – Authorizes the project and provides high-level information and objectives.
- Outputs from Other Planning Processes – Includes subsidiary plans from all knowledge areas (scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communication, risk, procurement, stakeholder).
- Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) – Organizational culture, infrastructure, project management systems, etc.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Policies, procedures, templates, and historical information that support planning.
Tools and Techniques
- Expert Judgment – Input from individuals with specialized knowledge or past experience in similar projects.
- Data Gathering – Includes brainstorming, checklists, and focus groups to identify planning components.
- Interpersonal and Team Skills – Conflict management, facilitation, and negotiation for aligning stakeholders.
- Meetings – Coordination sessions with stakeholders and team members to develop and align on the plan.
Outputs
- Project Management Plan – A comprehensive document composed of:
- Subsidiary Plans (e.g., Scope Management Plan, Schedule Management Plan, Cost Management Plan, etc.)
- Baselines:
- Scope Baseline
- Schedule Baseline
- Cost Baseline
- Other Elements:
- Change management plan
- Configuration management plan
- Performance measurement baseline
- Project life cycle description
- Development approach
- Management reviews
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- As part of the Planning Process Group, this process is foundational—setting the strategic and tactical roadmap for the entire project.
- Within Project Integration Management, it consolidates all planning efforts into a single, unified document that guides project execution and control.
Why It Matters
- Unifies Planning – Integrates all components of project planning for clarity and consistency.
- Guides Execution – Serves as the reference point for managing project performance.
- Supports Control – Provides baselines and control mechanisms for scope, time, and cost.
- Enables Governance – Establishes standards for monitoring, reporting, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.