Project Management- Group Report - Essay Example

They are: initiating; planning; executing; monitoring and controlling; and closure (PMI 2008). Together these process groups have 42 activities that are required of the project manager (PMI 2008). PMI (2008) indicates that they include: The initiation process group performs a number of functions. These include defining the project – why the project was initiated and the benefits to be derived from its performance. It also involves getting the necessary authorisation to begin project activities.

The planning process involves establishing the scope, refining the objectives and defining the action to be taken to attain the stated objectives. The scope indicates the work that needs to be done, the deliverables and the results that will be achieved as a result of carrying out the project (Schwalbe 2009). Here is where the different aspects of the project management plan are developed and integrated. In managing the scope of the project the work breakdown structure (WBS) is created. The WBS is a useful method that is used to identify the scope of the project.

It uses a hierarchical tree structure to break down the scope into planned outcomes (Blokdijk 2007). This process also takes into consideration the procurement of material – in which case the process of obtaining the canvas and other tools necessary for painting will be dealt with. A risk management plan is normally done where qualitative risk analysis is done to identify risks. They are quantified and the responses to counter them are planned. A very important aspect of planning is the management of communication.

It is critical to the planning and execution phases. It is important that any changes to the plan are communicated to all stakeholders. Other important plans that forms part of the project management plan are the budget, quality and human resource plan. A budget has to be done to ensure that the