Project Management Plan

A project management plan (PMP) is a document developed by a project manager or project management team to clarify how a project will be completed (Sabyasachi, 2013). A PMP is not simply a schedule of work or assignments; rather, it encompasses a multitude of information about how aspects of a project will be carried out and overseen as they overlap, such as scope management and budgeting.

illustration of chalkboard with the word project management in the center and the words initiates, monitor and control, goals settings, priorities, plan, tasks, execute, and complete surrounding, all with corresponding icons

Project Management / cnythzl / Signature Collection / Getty Images

While the project is underway, the PMP is used as a reference by all stakeholders and team members and is updated as necessary. Because all parties currently working on a project will use the document as a reference, it must be approved by an appropriate manager or program chair before it can be used (Usmani, n.d.).

PMPs vary in length and detail but typically outline the individuals or teams responsible for particular activities, agreed-upon aspects of a project, and the scope and budget of a project (DHS & CDC, 2010). Specific aspects of a project that are usually included in a PMP are as follows:

  • an introduction to or description of the project
  • project charter
  • scope management
  • schedule management
  • cost management
  • quality management
  • staffing/human resources management
  • communications management
  • risk management
  • issue management
  • records management

References

HHS (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), & CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2010). Project management plan. Retrieved from https://www2a.cdc.gov/cdcup/library/pmg/concept/pmp_description.htm

Sabyasachi. (2013). What is a project management plan? Retrieved from https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-a-project-management-plan-article

Usmani, F. (n.d.). Project plan vs. Project management plan. Retrieved from https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/01/project-plan-vs-project-management-plan