Integration Management Overview

Summary: Understanding Integration Management in Context

This section connects PMI’s Process Groups model with selected tasks from the Examination Content Outline (ECO) to show how Integration Management operates across the project lifecycle.

While PMBOK® Guide domains are referenced briefly, they’ll be explored in more depth in Chapter 18. For now, focus on:

The Process Groups involved in Integration Management
Relevant ECO tasks (primarily from Domain II)
Application of Integration concepts in agile and hybrid environments

Summary: ECO Tasks and the Process Groups Model in Integration Management

The ECO emphasizes several tasks—especially in Domain II: Process—that align closely with Integration Management. These tasks reflect the core responsibilities of a project manager.

Key Insight:

Integration Management doesn’t always map one-to-one with ECO tasks, but it is the thread that ties everything together. It ensures all parts of the project function cohesively and stay aligned with the delivery of business value.

Example: ECO Domain II, Task 1

“Execute project with the urgency required to deliver business value.”

This task highlights a key reality for PMs:

Drive purposeful execution, always aligned with strategic goals.

It connects to several key Integration Management processes:

Direct and Manage Project Work
Manage Project Knowledge
Monitor and Control Project Work
Perform Integrated Change Control
Close Project or Phase

Action Tip for Learners:

Pull out your ECO document and review the seven tasks in Domain II. Compare each to the Integration Management processes within PMI’s Process Groups model. This will help you see how Integration is applied in real project scenarios—whether agile, predictive, or hybrid.

Interactive Chart: Integration Management Connections

ECO Domain II	Process Group Model Integration Management	PMBOK Guide
Task 1 Execute project with the urgency required to deliver business value Task 9 Integrate project planning activities Task 10 Manage project changes Task 12 Manage project artifacts Task 13 Determine appropriate project methodology/methods and practices Task 16 Ensure knowledge transfer for project continuity Task 17 Plan and manage project/phase closure or transitions	Develop Project Charter — Initiating Develop Project Management Plan — Planning Direct and Manage Project Work → Executing Manage Project Knowledge — Executing Monitor and Control Project Work — Monitoring Perform Integrated Change Control — Controlling Close Project or Phase — Closing	Domain 2.1 Stakeholders Domain 2.2 Team Domain 2.3 Development Approach and Life Cycle Domain 2.4 Planning Domain 2.5 Project Work Domain 2.6 Delivery Domain 2.7 Measurement Domain 2.8 Uncertainty

Summary: ECO Domain II Tasks and Integration in the Process Groups Model (Continued)

Several additional ECO Domain II tasks also connect closely with the Process Groups model, especially within Integration Management.

Key Task Connections:

Task 9: Integrate Planning Activities

Begins in the Initiating process group.
Involves creating the project charter, analyzing stakeholders, and developing the stakeholder register.
Continues by integrating all planning processes into one cohesive project management plan.

Task 13: Select Methodology and Practices

Mirrors the first Planning step in Rita’s Process Chart™ from the Project Management Foundations chapter.
While not a formal Integration Management process in the PMBOK® Process Groups model, it's essential to initiating planning activities effectively.

Task 12 (alongside Task 9): Develop the Project Management Plan

Requires the project manager to combine and align multiple planning outputs, including:
Scope, schedule, and cost plans
Quality, risk, communication, and procurement plans
Requirements management and stakeholder engagement strategies

Teaching Insight:

Project integration isn’t limited to one task—it’s a thread that runs through every part of the project lifecycle, particularly in planning. As a project manager, you must connect all project constraints and components into one unified plan.