Project Management Institute (PMI®) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) defines a project management plan  as a formal approved document that defines the overall plan for how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled. It is the main planning document for any project and details not only the major aspects of the project but also how these will be managed.  The objective of... 

Studies have proven that goals that are committed to paper are more likely to come to fruition than those that are not.  So, it is true with a project as well.  There are many benefits to creating a Project Management Plan including: Clearly defining roles and responsibilities of individuals involved with the project Clearly defining processes and activities to be addresses within the project Increasing the likelihood... 

The responsibility for drafting and maintaining the Project Management Plan (PMP®) usually lies with the Project Manager.  However, he/she does not do so in isolation.  It is important that all members of the project team collaborate with the PM regarding the creation of the Project Management Plan.  The Project Manager should also seek input from key stakeholders.  This input is critical since a successful Project... 

The Project Management Plan may be a single detailed document or it can be composed of one or more subsidiary planning documents. These additional planning documents provide guidance and direction for specific management, planning, and control activities such as schedule, cost, risk, staffing, change control, communications, quality, procurement, deployment, etc. Each of the subsidiary planning documents should be detailed... 

Since the Project Management Plan is the main planning document for a project, it must describe how the major aspects of the project will be managed and typically includes the following: Project Description Project Charter Scope Management Schedule Management (including milestones and detailed schedules) Financial (cost/budget) Management Quality Management Resource Management Communications Management Project Change...