PMBoK in a nutshell

This article will describe the basic concepts of the PMBoK and explain the purpose.  Processes overlap and can be repeated.  The initiating process, for example, will be repeated at the start of each project phase.  The processes are repeated in the various phases of a project, with the exception of Project Closure. 

The Five Process Groups

Initiating - Processes to define and authorize a project or project phase
Planning - Processes to define the project scope, objectives and steps to achieve the required results.
Executing - Processes to complete the work documented within the Project Management Plan.
Monitoring and Controlling - Processes to track and review the project progress and performance. This group contains the Change Management.
Closing - Processes to formalize the project or phase closure.

The Nine Knowledge Areas

Project Integration Management - Processes to integrate various parts of the Project Management.
Project Scope Management - Processes to ensure that all of the work required is completed for a successful Project and manages additional "scope creep".
Project Time Management - Processes to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner.
Project Cost Management - Processes to manage the planning, estimation, budgeting and management of costs for the duration of the project.
Project Quality Management - Processes to plan, manage and control the quality and to provide assurance the quality standards are met.
Project Human Resource Management - Processes to plan, acquire, develop and manage the project team.
Project Communications Management - Processes to plan, manage, control, distribute and final disposal of project documentation and communication.
Project Risk Management - Processes to identify, analyse and management of project risks.
Project Procurement Management - Processes to manage the purchase or acquisition of products and service, or result to complete the project.


Each Process Group contains processes within some or all of the Knowledge Areas.  Each of the 42 processes has Inputs, Tools & Techniques and Outputs.

The purpose of this article was just to explain the 5 Process Groups and 9 Knowledge areas.  I will not go into detail with each of the 42 processes.