Project Documents
Project documents are the collection of documents used to manage a project that are not part of the project management plan. They include logs, registers, reports, and other records that support project execution.
Explanation
The PMBOK Guide distinguishes between three categories of project documentation: the project management plan (which defines how the project is managed), project documents (which support execution and decision-making), and business documents (which justify the project from a business perspective). Project documents are numerous and varied, and they evolve throughout the project lifecycle.
Common project documents include the activity list, assumption log, basis of estimates, change log, cost estimates, duration estimates, issue log, lessons learned register, milestone list, quality reports, requirements documentation, requirements traceability matrix, resource breakdown structure, risk register, risk report, schedule data, stakeholder register, and team charter. Each serves a specific purpose in supporting one or more project management processes.
Project documents are inputs and outputs to processes across all knowledge areas. They are updated frequently as the project progresses. While they are not formally controlled to the same degree as the project management plan baselines, they should still be managed and version-controlled to ensure consistency and accuracy. At project closure, project documents are archived as organizational process assets for future reference.
Key Points
- •Support documents that are NOT part of the project management plan
- •Include logs, registers, estimates, reports, and other records
- •Updated frequently throughout the project lifecycle
- •Archived as organizational process assets at project closure
Exam Tip
Know the difference: the project management plan defines how the project is managed (including baselines and subsidiary plans). Project documents support the plan but are separate from it. The exam tests this classification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Project Management Plan
The project management plan is the document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled, and closed.
Project Artifacts
Project artifacts are any templates, documents, outputs, or deliverables produced during the project. They encompass all tangible and documented items created through project activities.
Business Documents
Business documents are documents that exist outside the project management plan and are used to make decisions about the project before it is initiated and throughout its lifecycle. They include the business case and the benefits management plan.
Close Project or Phase
Close Project or Phase is the process of finalizing all activities for the project, phase, or contract, including archiving project information, releasing resources, and completing final deliverable acceptance.
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