Develop Project Management Plan
The effort to design, organize, and synchronize all planning components, then merge them into one cohesive project management plan.
Key Points
- Integrates outputs from all planning processes into a single, unified plan.
- Results in an approved plan that includes baselines and subsidiary plans to steer execution and control.
- Is iterative; updates are managed through integrated change control once baselined.
- Requires coordination across teams and stakeholders to align assumptions, dependencies, and priorities.
Example
After completing the scope baseline, schedule, cost estimates, quality approach, risk responses, and communication plan, the project manager leads a workshop to resolve conflicts and align dependencies. The team consolidates these pieces into a single project management plan, secures sponsor approval, and establishes scope, schedule, and cost baselines to guide delivery.
PMP Example Question
Which activity best represents the Develop Project Management Plan process?
- Collecting stakeholder requirements for the product.
- Combining approved subsidiary plans and baselines into one document that will guide the project.
- Tracking schedule performance to identify variances.
- Determining how to acquire project team members.
Correct Answer: B — Combining approved subsidiary plans and baselines into one cohesive project management plan
Explanation: Develop Project Management Plan integrates all planning outputs into a single approved plan. The other options describe different processes.