Mastering Project Management: A Comprehensive Guide to All Processes and Workflows

The PMBOK® Guide, Seventh Edition shifts away from process-based project management (seen in previous editions) toward a principles- and performance-oriented approach. It focuses on Project Performance Domains instead of traditional processes. However, we can map relevant concepts and workflows based on earlier editions (PMBOK® 6) and the current PMBOK® 7 framework. Here’s a breakdown:

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Key Components in PMBOK® 7:

1. 12 Project Management Principles:
   • Be a diligent, respectful, and caring steward.
   • Create a collaborative project team environment.
   • Effectively engage with stakeholders.
   • Focus on value delivery.
   • Recognize, evaluate, and respond to system interactions.
   • Demonstrate leadership behaviors.
   • Tailor based on context.
   • Build quality into processes and deliverables.
   • Navigate complexity.
   • Optimize risk responses.
   • Embrace adaptability and resiliency.
   • Enable change to achieve the envisioned future state.
2. 8 Performance Domains:
   • Stakeholders
   • Team
   • Development Approach and Lifecycle
   • Planning
   • Project Work
   • Delivery
   • Measurement
   • Uncertainty

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Workflow in PMBOK® 7 Framework:

The workflow in PMBOK 7 revolves around value delivery and tailoring. Dependencies in this framework are more flexible and adaptable to the project environment. Here’s a generalized workflow:

1. Initiation:
   • Identify stakeholders.
   • Define project objectives aligned with organizational strategy.
   • Establish the project team and initial governance framework.
   • Select a development approach (predictive, adaptive, or hybrid).
2. Planning:
   • Collaboratively develop plans focusing on scope, schedule, cost, quality, and resources.
   • Address risk and uncertainty proactively.
   • Tailor performance metrics to track progress effectively.
   • Incorporate feedback loops and iterative cycles where needed.
3. Execution:
   • Coordinate team activities and ensure effective communication.
   • Manage work deliverables and ensure they meet quality standards.
   • Continuously engage stakeholders and maintain alignment with project goals.
   • Adjust plans dynamically based on performance and feedback.
4. Monitoring and Controlling:
   • Measure progress against key performance indicators (KPIs).
   • Mitigate risks and resolve issues as they arise.
   • Track stakeholder satisfaction and value delivery.
   • Adapt and re-prioritize based on uncertainties and changes.
5. Closing:
   • Finalize deliverables and obtain stakeholder acceptance.
   • Release resources and disband the team.
   • Capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.
   • Celebrate success and close out contracts.

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Dependency and Workflow Concepts:

Dependencies in project workflows can be categorized into:

1. Mandatory Dependencies (Hard Logic):
   • Tasks that must follow a specific sequence (e.g., foundation before constructing walls).
2. Discretionary Dependencies (Soft Logic):
   • Tasks that could be reordered but follow a preferred sequence for efficiency (e.g., design approvals before prototype development).
3. External Dependencies:
   • Dependencies outside the project team’s control (e.g., regulatory approvals).
4. Internal Dependencies:
   • Dependencies within the project (e.g., one team’s output feeding into another team’s task).

Workflow Visualization Example:

• Start:
  • Initiate Stakeholder Engagement → Define Objectives → Form Team
• Plan:
  • Develop Scope → Identify Risks → Draft Schedule & Budget
• Execute:
  • Assign Tasks → Monitor Work Progress → Adjust Plans Dynamically
• Close:
  • Validate Deliverables → Archive Documents → Celebrate Completion

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1. Initiating Process Group

1. Develop Project Charter
   • Formal authorization of the project and definition of objectives.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.
2. Identify Stakeholders
   • Identify individuals, groups, or organizations impacted by the project.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Stakeholder Management.

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2. Planning Process Group

3. Develop Project Management Plan
   • Integrate and document the actions needed to define, prepare, and coordinate plans.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.
4. Plan Scope Management
   • Define how scope will be managed throughout the project.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management.
5. Collect Requirements
   • Document stakeholder needs to meet project objectives.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management.
6. Define Scope
   • Develop a detailed description of the project and product scope.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management.
7. Create WBS (Work Breakdown Structure)
   • Subdivide deliverables into manageable components.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management.
8. Plan Schedule Management
   • Define procedures for managing the project schedule.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management.
9. Define Activities
   • Identify and document specific actions to produce deliverables.
   • Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management.
10. Sequence Activities
    • Determine the logical sequence of activities.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management.
11. Estimate Activity Durations
    • Assess the time required to complete activities.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management.
12. Develop Schedule
    • Create the project schedule based on planned activities.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management.
13. Plan Cost Management
    • Define procedures for estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Cost Management.
14. Estimate Costs
    • Develop cost estimates for activities.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Cost Management.
15. Determine Budget
    • Aggregate costs into an authorized cost baseline.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Cost Management.
16. Plan Quality Management
    • Identify quality requirements and standards.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management.
17. Plan Resource Management
    • Determine resource allocation and management.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management.
18. Estimate Activity Resources
    • Estimate resources needed for activities.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management.
19. Plan Communications Management
    • Develop a strategy for effective communication with stakeholders.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Communications Management.
20. Plan Risk Management
    • Define how risk management activities will be conducted.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
21. Identify Risks
    • Identify and document project risks.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
22. Perform Qualitative Risk Analysis
    • Prioritize risks based on probability and impact.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
23. Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis
    • Numerically analyze risks and their impact.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
24. Plan Risk Responses
    • Develop strategies to address risks.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
25. Plan Procurement Management
    • Define procurement strategy and processes.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Procurement Management.
26. Plan Stakeholder Engagement
    • Develop strategies to effectively engage stakeholders.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Stakeholder Management.

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3. Executing Process Group

27. Direct and Manage Project Work
    • Lead and execute project activities.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.
28. Manage Project Knowledge
    • Utilize knowledge to improve project outcomes.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.
29. Manage Quality
    • Translate quality standards into processes.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management.
30. Acquire Resources
    • Obtain the required team, tools, and materials.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management.
31. Develop Team
    • Enhance team performance through training and engagement.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management.
32. Manage Team
    • Track team performance and resolve issues.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management.
33. Manage Communications
    • Facilitate effective communication among stakeholders.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Communications Management.
34. Implement Risk Responses
    • Execute risk response plans.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
35. Conduct Procurements
    • Obtain goods and services as needed.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Procurement Management.
36. Manage Stakeholder Engagement
    • Engage and manage stakeholder expectations.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Stakeholder Management.

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4. Monitoring and Controlling Process Group

37. Monitor and Control Project Work
    • Track performance against the project plan.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.
38. Perform Integrated Change Control
    • Manage changes to the project scope, schedule, or budget.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.
39. Validate Scope
    • Formal acceptance of completed deliverables.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management.
40. Control Scope
    • Manage changes to the project scope.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management.
41. Control Schedule
    • Track and manage schedule deviations.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management.
42. Control Costs
    • Monitor and manage cost deviations.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Cost Management.
43. Control Quality
    • Ensure deliverables meet quality standards.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Quality Management.
44. Control Resources
    • Manage resource utilization and resolve issues.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management.
45. Monitor Communications
    • Ensure communications meet stakeholder needs.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Communications Management.
46. Monitor Risks
    • Monitor risk changes and assess responses.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Risk Management.
47. Control Procurements
    • Manage procurement performance and contracts.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Procurement Management.
48. Monitor Stakeholder Engagement
    • Track stakeholder satisfaction and relationships.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Stakeholder Management.

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5. Closing Process Group

49. Close Project or Phase
    • Finalize all activities, deliverables, and documentation.
    • Knowledge Area: Project Integration Management.

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This list organizes all processes into their corresponding process groups and knowledge areas. Let me know if you’d like a visual workflow or tailored guidance!

“Mastering Project Management: A Comprehensive Guide to All Processes and Workflows”

PMP Processes Table

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This table lists all 49 processes in the correct order within their respective process groups and knowledge areas.