When it comes to filling out and filing paperwork, this can be a huge headache for anyone! It’s no secret that projects can be complex and require a good amount of planning in order to be done correctly. In this article, we’ll explore the typical project documents required for a project, based on the PMBOK 7th edition.
What Are Project Documents?
According to the PMBOK 7th edition, project documents are the written and graphical records that are created and maintained throughout the project, to provide evidence of the project’s planning, execution, monitoring, controlling and closing processes. They are used to provide guidance, information, and direction for the project, and to ensure that the project is aligned with the organization’s policies and procedures.
Project documents are created and updated throughout the project and are used by the project team, stakeholders, and other interested parties to understand the project’s objectives, deliverables, timelines, costs, risks, and other important aspects of the project. Project documents are an important part of the project management process, as they provide a record of the project’s progress and help to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of the stakeholders.
Project Documents You Need to Know About
The PMBOK 7th edition identifies the following project documents that may be required for a project:
Project charter: A document that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides a high-level view of the project’s objectives, stakeholders, and deliverables.
Project management plan: A comprehensive document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled, and how the project’s objectives will be achieved.
Requirements documentation: A document that describes the project’s requirements, including the needs and expectations of stakeholders.
Work breakdown structure (WBS): A document that breaks down the project’s deliverables into smaller, more manageable components.
Project schedule: A document that outlines the project’s timeline, including the start and end dates, milestones, and critical path.
Cost estimates and budget: A document that provides an estimate of the project’s costs and establishes a budget for the project.
Quality management plan: A document that describes the project’s quality management process, including the quality standards and procedures that will be used.
Resource management plan: A document that describes how the project’s resources, including human resources, will be acquired, managed, and allocated.
Communications management plan: A document that describes how project-related communications will be managed and how information will be shared among the project team, stakeholders, and other interested parties.
Risk management plan: A document that describes how risks will be identified, analyzed, and managed throughout the project.
Procurement management plan: A document that describes how procurement will be managed throughout the project, including the processes for acquiring goods and services from external suppliers.
Stakeholder register: A document that lists the project’s stakeholders and their level of engagement and interests in the project.
Change management plan: A document that describes how changes to the project will be managed, including how changes will be proposed, evaluated, and implemented.
Lessons learned: A document that captures the knowledge and experiences gained during the project, to be used for future projects.
Note that, depending on the project, some of these documents may not be needed, and additional documents may be required.
We hope this article gives you a better understanding of what project documents are and why they are important. For more helpful information, check out the rest of our blog to help you prepare for the PMP exam!
Understanding the information in this article is an essential part of project management and a vital part of the PMP exam. Improve your project management skills or prepare for the PMP Certification exam by taking a quality online PMP exam prep course.