The Differences Between the Core and Facilitating Planning Processes

A common confusion point for project managers and readers of the PMBOK is understanding the differences between “core” and “facilitating” planning processes. Common questions include the following:

  • Does “core” mean that the processes are always performed, whereas “facilitating” indicates optional?

  • Why is risk management planning considered a “core” planning process, but communications planning, quality planning, and risk response planning are not?

These are good, insightful questions. In order to answer them and improve your understanding of the distinction between the planning process types, let's review a couple points:

  • The distinction between core and facilitating planning ...

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