4.1 Integrated Planning

Question 1

What is an integrated project management plan

Answer 1

• suite of plans and processes to support a project to create an integrated plan
• captures fundamental components to deliver project outcomes successfully
• explains the nature of the project including scope, deliverables, roles and responsibilities
• developed by the project manager and team; owned by the PM; approved by the sponsor
• size, complexity and parties involved will influence the format and amount of content

Question 2

Describe the typical contents of a PMP

Answer 2

WHAT - describes the scope, product specifications, acceptance criteria, constraints, assumptions

WHY - describes benefits/project objectives to justify investment

HOW - describes project methods i.e. standards/processes/procedures to follow; health and safety plan; quality plan; procurement strategy; communication plan; risk management plan; change control

HOW MUCH - project budget; earned value arrangements; cashflow forecast; cost management procedures

WHERE - delivery logistics; project location; environmental constraints

WHEN - project schedule/GANT chart

WHO - RACI chart; resource required; organisation breakdown structure; delegated authority

Question 3

List examples of PMP contents in terms of 1) policies and procedures
2) schedules and logs

Answer 3

policies and procedures: address the ‘how’ - stable documents do not change much through project
- stakeholder management plan
- risk management plan
- change control procedures
- resource management plan

schedules and logs: used during delivery - dynamic information
- risk register
- change control log
- configuration library
- breakdown structures
- cost plan
- schedule

Question 4

Why is an integrated PMP important?

Answer 4

+ stakeholder engagement and communication: manages expectations and improves understanding
+ single source of truth to all involved in the project: clarity for new team members joining part way through; everyone works to same plan
+ the contract between the pm and sponsor to define terms and conditions of delivery
+ guides the team and is baseline for measurement and analysis of progress: defines roles and responsibilities, deliverables, requirements
+ contains useful links to project documents
+ improves governance and control: clear and auditable plan of achievement and controls