2.2 Develop Project Management Plan - 2.2 Develop Project Management Plan

The Develop Project Management Plan is a crucial process in project management that involves creating a comprehensive document that outlines how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled. This plan serves as a roadmap for the project, guiding all activities from initiation to closure.

Key Concepts

1. Project Management Plan Components

The Project Management Plan is composed of various subsidiary plans and baselines. These include:

• Scope Management Plan: Defines how the project scope will be defined, validated, and controlled.
• Schedule Management Plan: Outlines the procedures for developing, monitoring, and controlling the project schedule.
• Cost Management Plan: Specifies how the project costs will be planned, estimated, budgeted, and controlled.
• Quality Management Plan: Describes how the project will ensure that deliverables meet the required quality standards.
• Resource Management Plan: Details how resources will be acquired, allocated, and managed throughout the project.
• Communication Management Plan: Defines how information will be shared among stakeholders.
• Risk Management Plan: Outlines how risks will be identified, analyzed, and responded to.
• Procurement Management Plan: Specifies how procurement activities will be managed.
• Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Describes how stakeholders will be involved and managed throughout the project.

2. Baselines

Baselines are reference points against which project performance is measured. The key baselines include:

• Scope Baseline: Combines the project scope statement and the WBS (Work Breakdown Structure).
• Schedule Baseline: Represents the approved project schedule.
• Cost Baseline: Reflects the approved budget for the project.

3. Integration of Plans

The Project Management Plan is an integrated document that combines all subsidiary plans and baselines. This integration ensures that all aspects of the project are aligned and coordinated.

Examples and Analogies

Think of the Project Management Plan as a detailed itinerary for a complex journey. Just as a traveler needs a plan to navigate from point A to point B, a project manager needs a comprehensive plan to guide the project team through the various phases of the project. Each component of the plan, such as the Scope Management Plan or the Schedule Management Plan, is like a specific section of the itinerary that outlines how to handle different aspects of the journey, such as accommodations, transportation, and activities.

For instance, in a construction project, the Project Management Plan would include detailed blueprints (Scope Management Plan), a construction timeline (Schedule Management Plan), a budget (Cost Management Plan), and procedures for ensuring the building meets safety standards (Quality Management Plan). Each of these components works together to ensure the project is completed successfully.

By understanding and developing a robust Project Management Plan, project managers can effectively guide their teams, manage resources, and ensure that the project meets its objectives within the defined constraints.