Head First PMP, 3rd Edition

Chapter 3. The Process Framework: It all fits together

All of the work you do on a project is made up of processes. Once you know how all the processes in your project fit together, it’s easy to remember everything you need to know for the PMP exam. There’s a pattern to all of the work that gets done on your project. First you plan it, and then you get to work. While you are doing the work, you are always comparing your project to your original plan. When things start to get off-plan, it’s your job to make corrections and put everything back on track. And the process framework—the process groups and knowledge areas—is the key to all of this happening smoothly.

Cooking up a project

When you cook something from a recipe for the first time, there are certain steps you always follow:

1. First figure out what you’re going to make.

   

2. Then make all your plans.

   

3. Next, it’s time to start cooking!

   

4. Finally, you can give the cookies to a loved one.

   

Projects are like recipes ...