How to Get a Job For Project Managers

Learn how to write resume and interview

Leadership for Project Managers

Learn how to lead and drive project success.

Project Management Bootcamp

From a beginner to project management professional.

Agile Project Management and SCRUM with AI

Learn to run Scrum and Agile with AI.

Project Management Focus Areas

An organized set of process groups that structure how project management inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs are applied. The Project Management Focus Areas are Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.

Key Points

  • These are the five process groups that frame project work from start to finish.
  • They organize inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs for consistent execution.
  • They are not the same as knowledge areas or lifecycle phases, but work alongside them.
  • In agile, teams often iterate through Planning, Executing, and Monitoring and Controlling repeatedly within each increment.

Example

An agile team launching a new mobile app: Initiating defines the product goal and key stakeholders; Planning refines the backlog and release roadmap; Executing delivers features through sprints; Monitoring and Controlling tracks burndown, manages risks, and adapts scope; Closing wraps up the release, captures lessons learned, and confirms acceptance.

PMP Example Question

Which statement best describes Project Management Focus Areas?

  1. A list of functional departments that support the project team.
  2. A set of product lifecycle phases used by the organization.
  3. A set of five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing) that organize project management inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs across the lifecycle.
  4. A collection of agile ceremonies used only during Executing.

Correct Answer: C — A set of five process groups that organize inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs

Explanation: Project Management Focus Areas are the five process groups that structure how project work and artifacts are organized throughout the project.

Advanced Lean Six Sigma — Data-Driven Excellence

Solve complex problems, reduce variation, and improve performance with confidence. This course is designed for professionals who already know the basics and want to apply advanced Lean Six Sigma tools to real business challenges.

This is not abstract statistics or theory-heavy training. You’ll use Excel to perform real analysis, interpret results correctly, and apply tools like DMAIC, SIPOC, MSA, hypothesis testing, and regression without memorizing formulas or relying on expensive software.

You’ll learn how to measure baseline performance, analyze process capability, use control charts to maintain stability, and validate improvements using statistical evidence. Templates, worked examples, and structured walkthroughs help you apply each concept immediately.

Learn through a complete, real-world Lean Six Sigma project and develop the skills to lead data-driven improvements with credibility. If you’re ready to move beyond basics and make decisions backed by data, enroll now and take your Lean Six Sigma expertise to the next level.



Take Control of Project Performance!

HK School of Management helps you go beyond status reports and gut feelings. In this advanced course, you’ll master Earned Value Management (EVM) to objectively measure progress, forecast outcomes, and take corrective action with confidence. Learn how WBS quality drives performance, how control accounts really work, and how to use EAC, TCPI, and variance analysis to make smarter decisions—before projects drift off track. Built around real-world examples and hands-on exercises, this course gives you practical tools you can apply immediately. Backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee—low risk, high impact for serious project professionals.

Learn More