Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Sixth Edition

Part I

Defining and Using Project Management Process Groups

The purpose of Part I is to provide you with a working knowledge of the five Process Groups and nine Knowledge Areas that make up the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). For each Process Group, the tools, templates, and processes aligned with that Process Group are explained in detail. This is very much an application orientation. Part II discusses how to use the Process Groups (and the tools, templates, and processes aligned with them) in specific situations, when to use them, and how to adapt them to meet your project needs. This is consistent with the bottom-up learning model used in this book.

Upon completing Part I, you will have a working knowledge of all the contemporary tools, templates, and processes used to scope, plan, launch, monitor, control, and close projects.

Overview of Part I

The following chapters comprise Part I and should be read and studied in the order presented.

Chapter 1: What Is a Project?

To be called a project, an undertaking must meet a specific set of conditions. If an undertaking meets those conditions, then it must follow the prescribed project management methodology defined by the organization. A formal definition is put forth and the characteristics of the project are explored. Project management methodologies are often defined for specific types of projects. Project classification rules are explored.

Chapter 2: What Is Project Management?

In the last 10 years project management ...