Define project integration management

Project integration management is the knowledge area that identifies, defines, combines, unifies and coordinates the various processes and project management activities within the process groups (PMBOK). It ensures that all elements of the project are properly coordinated, trade-offs are made between competing objectives (scope, time, cost, quality) and the project meets stakeholder expectations. It is the integrating area that ties together all other knowledge areas.

Why it is needed

Decisions in one area affect others. For instance, adding a scope item changes schedule, cost, risk and quality. Integration management looks at the project as a whole.

Processes (PMBOK 5th edition)

1. Develop project charter (Initiating): authorise the project.
2. Develop project management plan (Planning): combine all subsidiary plans into one.
3. Direct and manage project work (Executing): perform the work.
4. Monitor and control project work (M&C): track and report progress.
5. Perform integrated change control (M&C): review and approve all changes.
6. Close project or phase (Closing): finalise all activities.

Charter -> PM Plan -> Direct & Manage
                          |
          Change control <-> Monitor & Control
                          |
                        Close

Key outputs

Charter, project management plan, deliverables, work performance reports, approved change requests, final product and updated organisational process assets.

Role of the project manager

The project manager is responsible for integration, balancing competing demands and making decisions in the interest of the whole project, which cannot be delegated to others.

Example: If a client requests a new report in a billing system, integration management evaluates its impact on schedule, cost and risk through the change control board before approval.