Before embarking on a Project Management, a project manager should have the following questions in mind as stated below.

I would number them (Q1 to Q6) . What business situation is being addressed? (Q1) . What needs to be done? (Q2) . What will be done? (Q3) . How will it be done? (Q4) . How will you know it was done? (Q5) . How well was it done? (Q6)

PMI has set up a Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide which have listed 5 process groups which are to be used throughout a project management life cycle. These process groups are: . Scoping Process Group . Planning Process Group . Launching Process Group . Monitoring and control Process Group . Closing Process Group (PMBOK GUIDE, Fourth Edition)

I am going to try and explain the relationship of the Basic Process Groups with the questions stated above. I am using the scenario of an organization that wants internet access in all its office branches nationwide. The Scoping Process occurs before the authorization to start any project. The Scoping Process typically identifies the business situation being addressed (Q1). The staff needs are documented and in this case, its the provision of internet access through a phone modem at each of the organizations 6 branches at a speed of 64kbs. The company needs this internet access to help them share files and resources online and make video conferencing calls online too which reduces telephone costs. A Project manager is also selected.

In the Planning Process, the Project manager uses information gotten from his clients wants and generates the clients real needs. A project manager should have these questions in mind. What needs to be done, what will be done and how will it be done (Q2, Q3, Q4). The project manager now tabulates resources needed, how long the project should last and at what cost. The project manager knows that to make crisp clear video calls, the client should go for an internet speed of 512kbs. Depending on the location of these offices, the project manager should also know if fiber optics or Vsat should be used (if the area is prone to interference, fiber optics is better). The project manager drafts processes to be used to achieve the projects goal.

Executing process involves the recruitment of the project team and getting the job started and finished in accordance to the project specifications and client satisfaction. Here, the planning process is being put into action. In my example, the project team would include engineers, technicians, network administrators etc. (Q4)

Monitoring and Controlling Group Process involves making sure the project is going on in accordance to clients needs. Problems are also being identified and solved. Should there be additions and subtractions in the clients needs, (In my example, if the client had earlier needed a Vsat, and now wants fiber optic connection), these changes are done at this stage. Knowing the clients need and knowing that you have achieved it is a key point at this stage. (Q5) Closing Process Group is finalized when the project manager, having gone through the project and clients specification and believes he has achieved this, thus finalizing activities across the Process groups and has the project executed to the clients satisfaction (Q6). In my example, the project manager has now installed the internet connection in the 6 offices, the internet calls are crisp with no buffering and files and data are now shared online. I feel Planning Process is the most vital and thus, Q2, Q3, Q4 are influential in the success of the project because without proper planning, there would be problem in the execution of the project, thus making the project fail. Reference: A GUIDE TO THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE (PMBOK GUIDE) Fourth Edition.