Appraise Project Management Process Groups - Essay Example

Appraise Project Management Process Groups Introduction Project management is simply the use of skills, knowledge, and tools to an extensive range of activities in an effort to accomplish the demands of a particular project. There is mainly five Project management process groups; initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout. Knowledge areas are concerned with what the project manager should know about the project. The knowledge areas of project management include; integration management, cost management, human resource management, information management, procurement management, risk management, scope management and others. Project management process groups and mapping them to knowledge areas Initiating project management process group entails the activities and skills required to describe the start of a project or restructuring an existing project by getting the authority to start the project (Snyder, 2010). In this process, the ideas for starting a project are examined to determine their variability. The people engaged in the decision-making assess the idea and determine whether it is practical. The initiating process group determines the background strength of the project. Well-built pillars of a project will ensure order and timely completion of the project. In fact, a strong foundation presents a secure roadmap for the success of the project. Putting all the necessary tools and resources in place before the project starts is very important. It is vital to clearly define the phases a project is to undergo for proper budgeting. Initiating project group can support project Integration management by developing a project charter. Additionally, initiation process can aid in integration management by developing an of preliminary project scope statement. A project cannot run without prior planning (Kloppenborg, 2011). In the planning processes, data is collected from various sources for analysis. Planning can influence time management when carrying out a project. In essence, planning gives a schedule of how the project is to be conducted. The duration of the project is also determined during planning. Therefore, all the stakeholders involved in the project are able to work in line with the project’s schedule as planned. Therefore, planning ensures the chronological order of performance and timely completion of the project. Cost management is highly influenced by planning process group of project management. Planning facilitates budgeting of the project. Preparing a budget to eliminate the risk of misuse of funds. If the project conforms to the budget planned for, it is completed on time and in an economical manner. This is because funds are used for the right purpose and the delays are reduced. Therefore, planning is essential for a project to be economical. Planning outlines the scope of the project. Assessing the scope of a project is very important for management purposes. Identification of the scope of the project can facilitate proper distribution of the available resources. Additionally, procurement process can be made on easier after planning since the required resources will be identified during the planning process. Therefore, procurement management can simplify since planning can provide a clear guide to purchasing or sale of items. The analysis of information from various sources during planning facilitates identification and estimation of risks. Identification of risks is important for establishing strong risk management mechanisms. The planned scope of the project or structure may be put in a piece of writing, stating the task to be carried out. The budget estimates aid in cost and resources management. In fact, planning process lays the infrastructure for achieving the objectives of the project. It is essential to engage all the relevant stakeholders in the planning process. The major role of the executive process group is to complete the task outlined in the planning process. The core task of this group is to coordinate people and resources. Additional functions include integration and performance of the project activities as outlined in the plan. The issue of project scope is addressed and implementation of approved changes is also done in this process. This group plays the role of organizing the team and communicating the necessary information to all stakeholders in the project. The executing processes enforce the provisions made in the planning process to ensure proper time management and efficient use of fund. Additionally, the group ensures that the project is run in line with the budget by constantly evaluating the performance of various actors. The cost management strategies are implemented in the execution stage. It is in this group where individuals and group abilities are developed to enhance good performance. The executing process group of project management can influence information management. The executing group enhances timely dissemination of information to the stakeholders, for quick decision making and timely end of the project (Dinsmore & Cabanis-Brewin, 2011). In fact, the executing process group implements the cost management policies, integration management policies, procurement management policies and other policies made in the planning process. Consequently, human resource management is well taken care of in then executing the group of project management process. Controlling activities aim at monitoring the execution of the project. Controlling process group monitors the project performance. Controlling activities can be applied in monitoring the cost management, procurement management, the human resource management and other types of management in a project (Heldman, Baca& Jansen, 2007). In case of any deviation from the main objective, adjustments are made to fix the problem. Controlling process aids in the timely application of risk management strategies to cover future uncertainties. The controlling group coordinates the alterations that may arise in course of the project. Additionally, the controlling process group keeps a close check on the performance of all the stakeholders to determine whether they work in conformity to the project’s objective. Closure of the project process is the last group. This project management process involves the termination of all activities. The process validates the completion of the project. The elements of this group are management and project closeout procedure. Conclusion The success or failure of a project is determined by how it is management. A project manager should ensure the project management process groups are compatible before commencing a project. It is of significance to make sure that all processes are incorporated when operating a project. It is essential to note that, adequate and proper planning is the engine for the project’s success. References: Dinsmore, P & Cabanis-Brewin J. (2011). The AMA handbook of project management. New York: American Management Association. Heldman, K., Baca, C & Jansen, P. (2007).PMP: Project management professional study guide. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley Pub. Kohli, U. & Chitkara, K. (2007). Project management handbook: for engineers, construction Professionals and business managers. New Delhi Tata McGraw-Hill. Snyder, C. (2010).A user's manual to the PMBOK guide. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Kloppenborg, T. (2011). Contemporary Project Management. Place: South-Western College Pub. Read More