Project Management Comprehensive Review — PMP Exam Prep and Practical Checklists

Series Summary — All Ten Chapters

Chapter	Topic	Core Concepts
Ch1	Management Framework	PMBOK, process groups
Ch2	Scope & Schedule Management	WBS, critical path
Ch3	Resource & Cost Management	RAM, EVM
Ch4	Quality & Risk Management	PDCA, risk matrix
Ch5	Stakeholder & Communications	Influence mapping, RACI
Ch6	Project Integration Management	Charter, change control
Ch7	Agile vs. Waterfall	Scrum, Kanban
Ch8	Procurement & Contracts	FP, T&M, CR
Ch9	Project Closure	Lessons learned, final report
Ch10	Comprehensive Review	PMP preparation

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The 10 PMBOK Knowledge Areas

1. Integration Management
2. Scope Management
3. Schedule Management
4. Cost Management
5. Quality Management
6. Resource Management
7. Communications Management
8. Risk Management
9. Procurement Management
10. Stakeholder Management

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The 5 Process Groups

Initiating:

• Develop project charter / Identify stakeholders

Planning:

• Develop the overall management plan / Establish baselines

Executing:

• Direct and manage project work / Manage team / Quality assurance

Monitoring & Controlling:

• Measure project performance / Integrated change control

Closing:

• Accept deliverables / Document lessons learned / Close contracts

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Key PMP Formulas

EVM (Earned Value Management)

PV (Planned Value):   Budgeted value of work scheduled to be done by this point
EV (Earned Value):    Budgeted value of work actually completed
AC (Actual Cost):     Actual cost incurred to date

Variances:
SV (Schedule Variance) = EV − PV   (positive = ahead of schedule)
CV (Cost Variance)     = EV − AC   (positive = under budget)

Performance Indices:
SPI (Schedule Performance Index) = EV ÷ PV  (1.0 = on track)
CPI (Cost Performance Index)     = EV ÷ AC  (1.0 = on track)

Forecasts:
BAC (Budget at Completion)
EAC (Estimate at Completion)  = BAC ÷ CPI
ETC (Estimate to Complete)    = EAC − AC

Communication Channels Formula

$$\begin{aligned} \text{Number of channels} &= n(n − 1) \div 2 \\ (n &= \text{number of team members}) \\ \text{Example}: 10-\text{person team} &= 10 \times 9 \div 2 = 45 \text{channels} \\ &\to \text{As team size grows}, \text{communication complexity grows exponentially} \end{aligned}$$

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Practical PM Checklist

Project Initiation

☐ Project charter drafted and signed by the sponsor
☐ Key stakeholders identified and analyzed (power/interest grid)
☐ Kickoff meeting held
☐ Initial risk list drafted

Planning Phase

☐ WBS created (with team participation)
☐ Network diagram built → critical path identified
☐ Resource histogram reviewed → peaks identified → leveled
☐ Cost baseline and contingency reserves set
☐ Risk register complete (probability × impact matrix)
☐ Communications plan defined (who, when, what format)

Executing and Controlling Phase

☐ Weekly status reports (plan vs. actuals)
☐ EVM metrics tracked (SPI, CPI ≥ 0.8)
☐ Risk register reviewed regularly (monthly)
☐ Change requests → CCB review → baseline updated
☐ Quality reviews conducted and defects tracked

Closing Phase

☐ Final deliverables accepted (signed acceptance document)
☐ Lessons learned session held and documented
☐ All procurement contracts formally closed
☐ Team members’ contributions recognized and transitions communicated
☐ Project records archived

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Core PM Competencies

Technical Competence:

• PMBOK methodology, EVM, risk analysis

Leadership Competence:

• Motivation, conflict resolution, communication

Strategic Competence:

• Understanding the business context

• Aligning project outcomes with organizational strategy

• PMI’s emphasis: balancing all three is the hallmark of a successful PM

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A good PM makes a plan. A great PM prepares for when the plan is wrong.