Project Management Processes, Process Groups and Knowledge areas

Project management as explained by PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) is accomplished by the appropriate application and integration of 42 logically grouped project management processes. These processes are spread across 5 process groups and 9 knowledge areas.

The five process groups are:

1. Initiating


2. Planning


3. Executing


4. Monitoring & Controlling


5. Closing

The nine knowledge areas are:

1. Project Integration Management


2. Project Scope Management


3. Project Time Management


4. Project Cost Management


5. Project Quality Management


6. Project Human Resources Management


7. Project Communication Management


8. Project Risk Management


9. Project Procurement Management

The processes that belong in each process group, what they do and which knowledge area they represent can be confusing. This post (based on the info in PMBOK) discusses about each process group and briefly explains the processes that belong in each process group. The knowledge area they represent is indicated in brackets after the process. This post could serve as reference for project managers and also help someone preparing for PMP certification.