Key Takeaways
- The Project Management Plan integrates scope, schedule, cost baselines with subsidiary management plans into a cohesive, unified document
- The Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) combines scope, schedule, and cost baselines to enable earned value analysis and variance tracking
- Baselines can only be changed through formal change control procedures once approved, providing a reference point for measuring project performance
- Integration management ensures that all project components work together cohesively and that changes in one area are properly reflected in others
- Data analysis techniques like alternatives analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and multi-criteria decision making support integrated planning decisions
Integrating Project Planning
Project Integration Management is the knowledge area that pulls everything together. It ensures that all project components are properly coordinated and aligned to achieve project objectives. The project management plan is the primary output that integrates all planning activities.
What is Project Integration Management?
Project Integration Management includes the processes and activities needed to identify, define, combine, unify, and coordinate the various processes and project management activities. It is the glue that holds all project components together.
Integration Management Processes
| Process | Phase | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Develop Project Charter | Initiating | Authorize the project |
| Develop Project Management Plan | Planning | Define, prepare, and coordinate all plans |
| Direct and Manage Project Work | Executing | Lead and perform work |
| Manage Project Knowledge | Executing | Use and create knowledge |
| Monitor and Control Project Work | Monitoring & Controlling | Track and review progress |
| Perform Integrated Change Control | Monitoring & Controlling | Review and manage changes |
| Close Project or Phase | Closing | Finalize all activities |
The Project Management Plan
The Project Management Plan is the master document that integrates all subsidiary plans and baselines. It describes how the project will be executed, monitored, controlled, and closed.
Components of the Project Management Plan
| Component Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Baselines | Scope baseline, Schedule baseline, Cost baseline |
| Subsidiary Plans | Scope Management Plan, Schedule Management Plan, Cost Management Plan, Quality Management Plan, Resource Management Plan, Communications Management Plan, Risk Management Plan, Procurement Management Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan |
| Additional Components | Change Management Plan, Configuration Management Plan, Performance Measurement Baseline, Project Life Cycle, Development Approach, Management Reviews |
Subsidiary Management Plans
Each knowledge area produces a management plan that describes how that aspect of the project will be managed:
| Subsidiary Plan | Describes |
|---|---|
| Scope Management Plan | How scope will be defined, validated, and controlled |
| Requirements Management Plan | How requirements will be analyzed, documented, and managed |
| Schedule Management Plan | How the schedule will be developed, managed, and controlled |
| Cost Management Plan | How costs will be planned, structured, and controlled |
| Quality Management Plan | How quality policies will be implemented |
| Resource Management Plan | How resources will be acquired, allocated, and managed |
| Communications Management Plan | How project communications will be planned and managed |
| Risk Management Plan | How risk activities will be structured and performed |
| Procurement Management Plan | How procurement processes will be managed |
| Stakeholder Engagement Plan | How stakeholders will be engaged |
Project Baselines
Baselines are the approved versions of work products that can only be changed through formal change control procedures. They serve as the reference point for measuring project performance.
The Three Core Baselines
| Baseline | Contains | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Scope Baseline | Project scope statement, WBS, WBS dictionary | Defines the total scope of work |
| Schedule Baseline | Approved version of the schedule model | Defines the timeline |
| Cost Baseline | Approved version of the time-phased project budget | Defines the budget over time |
Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB)
The Performance Measurement Baseline integrates the scope, schedule, and cost baselines into a unified baseline used for:
- Earned Value Analysis: Comparing planned value, earned value, and actual costs
- Variance Analysis: Identifying schedule and cost variances
- Performance Forecasting: Projecting final project outcomes
- Change Impact Assessment: Evaluating how changes affect multiple baselines
Baseline Management
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishing | Approve the initial baseline through formal acceptance |
| Maintaining | Keep the baseline current and accessible |
| Changing | Only through Perform Integrated Change Control |
| Comparing | Measure actual performance against baseline |
Dependencies and Integration
Projects have many interdependencies that must be managed:
Types of Dependencies
| Dependency Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Inherent to the work itself | Foundation before framing |
| Discretionary | Based on best practices or preferences | Review meeting before coding |
| External | Involving non-project activities | Regulatory approval before launch |
| Internal | Between project activities | Design before development |
Baseline Interdependencies
Changes to one baseline affect the others:
- Scope changes typically impact schedule and cost
- Schedule changes may require additional resources (cost) or scope reduction
- Cost constraints may force scope reduction or schedule extension
This is why integrated change control is essential - to evaluate changes across all baselines.
Data Analysis Techniques
Project managers use various data analysis techniques during planning:
Alternatives Analysis
Evaluates different options for achieving project objectives:
- Compare different technical approaches
- Evaluate make-vs-buy decisions
- Assess various resource configurations
- Consider different schedule compression techniques
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Compares the expected costs and benefits of options:
| Option | Costs | Benefits | Net Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A | $100,000 | $150,000 | $50,000 |
| Option B | $80,000 | $120,000 | $40,000 |
| Option C | $120,000 | $200,000 | $80,000 |
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Uses weighted criteria to evaluate options:
| Criteria | Weight | Option A | Option B | Option C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30% | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Schedule | 25% | 7 | 6 | 9 |
| Quality | 25% | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Risk | 20% | 6 | 8 | 7 |
| Weighted Score | 100% | 7.55 | 7.45 | 7.55 |
Reserve Analysis
Determines the amount of contingency and management reserves needed:
- Contingency Reserves: For identified risks (known unknowns)
- Management Reserves: For unidentified risks (unknown unknowns)
Integration Throughout Planning
Effective integration requires:
Coordination Activities
- Align objectives across all knowledge areas
- Resolve conflicts between competing constraints
- Ensure consistency among all planning documents
- Identify interfaces between work packages and teams
- Establish communication channels and protocols
Planning Iterations
The project management plan is developed iteratively:
- Initial Draft: Create preliminary versions of all components
- Review and Refine: Stakeholders review and provide feedback
- Integrate and Align: Ensure all components are consistent
- Baseline: Approve the final integrated plan
- Maintain: Update through change control as needed
Change Control Integration
Perform Integrated Change Control ensures all changes are:
- Reviewed for impact across all baselines
- Approved or rejected by appropriate authority
- Communicated to relevant stakeholders
- Implemented if approved
- Documented in the change log
Change Control Process
- Change Request Submitted: Any stakeholder can request a change
- Impact Analysis: Evaluate effects on scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk
- Review by CCB: Change Control Board reviews request
- Decision: Approve, reject, or defer
- Update Plans: If approved, update baselines and plans
- Communicate: Notify affected stakeholders
Key Takeaways
- The Project Management Plan integrates all subsidiary plans and baselines
- Baselines can only be changed through formal change control
- The Performance Measurement Baseline combines scope, schedule, and cost baselines
- Dependencies between baselines mean changes in one area affect others
- Data analysis techniques support informed decision-making
- Integrated change control ensures changes are properly evaluated and managed
Which of the following correctly describes the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB)?
A project manager discovers that a scope change will require additional budget and extend the schedule. According to integration management principles, what should be done?
Which data analysis technique would be MOST appropriate when evaluating multiple vendors based on cost, quality, delivery time, and reputation?