---
ref_id: PR03
ref_type: Process
ref_name: "Develop Project Management Plan"
version: "1.0.0"
status: Active
pmbok8_source: "PMBOK8 Guide §2.1.6.2"
companion_ref_shortcode: PG-APG-5.1
related_skills:
  - SKL-03-01
  - SKL-03-02
  - SKL-03-03
  - SKL-03-04
  - SKL-03-05
  - SKL-03-06
  - SKL-03-07
  - SKL-03-08
related_artifacts:
  - A05
  - A09
  - A10
  - A11
  - A13
  - A14
  - A15
  - A16
file_path: "reference/processes/PR03-develop-project-management-plan.md"
---

# PR03 — Develop Project Management Plan

**Ref ID:** PR03
**Type:** Process
**PMBOK8 Source:** §2.1.6.2
**Version:** 1.0.0

---

## Definition

Develop Project Management Plan is the process of defining, preparing, and coordinating all plan components and consolidating them into an integrated project management plan.

## Key Characteristics

- **Integration Hub:** Consolidates and aligns all subsidiary plans and baselines into a single, cohesive framework.
- **Authoritative Framework:** Serves as the central point of reference for executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing the project.
- **Progressive Elaboration:** Matures incrementally as technical, operational, and organizational details emerge.
- **Baseline Control:** Subject to formal change control policies once approved and baselined.
- **Tailoring Blueprint:** Documents specific tailoring decisions regarding processes, artifacts, and life cycle selections.

## PMBOK 8 Context

Under PMBOK 8, Develop Project Management Plan is positioned as a critical capability in the **Governance Performance Domain**. It integrates planning decisions across all performance domains (Scope, Schedule, Finance, Stakeholders, Resources, Risk, and Delivery) into a single, aligned system. After baseline approval, any changes must pass through formal change control to preserve project governance.

## Inputs

| Input | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Project Charter | Formally authorizes the project, assigning project manager authority and framing parameters. | PR01 Develop Project Charter |
| Outputs from Other Processes | Integrated subsidiary plans (e.g. Scope, Cost, Quality) and baselines (Scope, Schedule, Cost). | Downstream Planning Processes |
| Enterprise Environmental Factors | Infrastructure, market conditions, standards, and regulatory frameworks. | Enterprise |
| Organizational Process Assets | Templates, change control procedures, and lessons learned from past projects. | PMO Registry |

## Outputs

| Output | Description | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management Plan | The comprehensive integrated document guiding all project execution, control, and closure. | A14 Integrated Project Management Plan |

## Tools and Techniques

- **Expert Judgment:** Advice on tailoring management processes, planning tools, and industry-standard governance models.
- **Data Gathering:** Brainstorming, checklists, and structured interviews with key stakeholders and sponsors.
- **Interpersonal and Team Skills:** Facilitation, conflict management, and active meeting management to resolve alignment issues.
- **Meetings:** Integrated planning sessions and alignment workshops with core project leaders and sponsors.

## Cross-References

| Related Item | Type | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| A05 | Artifact | Supplying initial assumptions, constraints, and environmental context |
| A09 | Artifact | Quality planning requirements integrated into PMP |
| A10 | Artifact | Resource and staffing plans integrated into PMP |
| A11 | Artifact | Communications strategies integrated into PMP |
| A13 | Artifact | Requirements traceability matrix supporting scope planning |
| A14 | Artifact | Principal output of this process |
| A15 | Artifact | Approved schedule baseline component integrated into PMP |
| A16 | Artifact | Approved financial and cost baseline component integrated into PMP |
| SKL-03-01 | Skill | Build Integrated Project Management Plan |
| SKL-03-02 | Skill | Plan Scope and Requirements |

## Practitioner Notes

Practitioners executing this process should seek answers to the following vital questions:
1. Does the integrated plan clearly describe how the project will be executed, monitored, controlled, and closed?
2. Are all subsidiary plans and project baselines fully aligned with one another and with the charter's strategic mandate?
3. Has the project life cycle and development approach (predictive, adaptive, or hybrid) been explicitly selected and justified?
4. Is the plan detailed enough to effectively guide delivery without introducing excessive or low-value administrative overhead?
5. How will baseline changes be routed, analyzed, and approved under the defined change control structure?

## Change Log

| Version | Date | Description | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 | 2026-06-02 | Rebuilt to align with canonical REF file structure and YAML front-matter | PMO Director |

---

*Authority: PMBOK8 Guide §2.1.6.2; Process Groups Practice Guide §5.1*
