Project Management process groups are considered a logical set of project management processes to accomplish detailed project objectives. Project groups should not be mistaken for project phases because they are not the same thing. From a high level, project management process groups are manifested in the subsequent steps:

• Initiating (starting)

• Planning (planning)

• Executing (doing)

• Monitoring and Controlling (checking and acting)

• Closing (ending)

Project management processes consist of the actions one must take to manage the work throughout the project life cycle. It includes overseeing the efforts connected to initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing the project.

Below is a breakdown of the project management process groups:

Initiating 

Initiating consists of the processes executed to formally start a new project or project phase of an existing project by obtaining authorization to start the project or phase.

Planning

Planning consists of processes required to specify the project scope, define objectives, and define the course of action necessary to acquire the goals the project was undertaken to achieve.

Executing

Executing consists of processes performed to finish the work described in the project management plan to meet work requirements. 

Monitoring and Controlling

Monitoring and Controlling consists of the processes needed to track, review and regulate the advancement and performance of the project, determine any areas that require any modifications to the plan, and initiate these interconnected changes.

Closing

Closing consists of the processes performed to formally complete or close the project, phase, or contract.