Figure 4-13: Focus Area Interactions in Predictive Project Life Cycle
PMBOK v8 Definition
The five Focus Areas (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing) are not strictly sequential; they often overlap within a single phase. Figure 4-13 illustrates an example of how Focus Areas can interact during a project or phase using a primarily predictive approach, where the level of effort applied to a given Focus Area can vary both within project phases and across the overall project life cycle.
Why It Matters for the Exam
This concept appears frequently in questions about development approaches and life cycle phases. The PMI exam tests your understanding that Focus Areas overlap and vary in intensity depending on the approach (predictive, adaptive, or hybrid). Expect situational questions asking you to identify which Focus Area receives the most effort at a given point in a predictive project.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Overlap is normal: Planning and monitoring happen simultaneously—they are not sequential phases
- Effort varies: The level of effort for each Focus Area changes both within a single phase and across the entire project life cycle
- Predictive approach pattern: In predictive projects, Planning receives heavy initial effort, Executing dominates the middle, and Monitoring/Controlling remains active throughout
- Independence from industry: Focus Areas apply regardless of application area (marketing, construction, IT) or industry focus
- Independence from approach: All development approaches (predictive, adaptive, hybrid) honor these five Focus Areas in some manner
- Iteration within phases: Individual processes, practices, or actions in the Focus Areas are often iterated prior to completing a phase or a project
- Common confusion: Do not confuse Focus Areas with Process Groups—Focus Areas are broader and apply across the entire project life cycle
Typical PMI Exam Example
A construction project using a predictive approach begins the engineering phase. The project manager notices that while the team is primarily executing engineering work, planning is still occurring for procurement activities, and monitoring is tracking progress against the baseline. Which concept does this situation BEST illustrate?
Answer: The overlap of Focus Areas within a single phase, where Planning, Executing, and Monitoring/Controlling occur simultaneously.
PMI Exam Traps
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Trap: Assuming Focus Areas are sequential phases like "Plan first, then Execute, then Monitor"
- Reality: Focus Areas overlap significantly; monitoring occurs during execution and planning continues during execution
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Trap: Thinking all Focus Areas receive equal effort throughout the project
- Reality: The level of effort varies; Planning is heavy early, Executing is heavy mid-project, Closing is heavy at the end
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Trap: Confusing Focus Areas with Process Groups in predictive vs. adaptive approaches
- Reality: Focus Areas are independent of the development approach—all approaches honor all five Focus Areas
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Trap: Believing Focus Areas are industry-specific
- Reality: Focus Areas are independent of application areas (marketing, information services, accounting) and industry focus (construction, aerospace, telecommunications)
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Project Life Cycle | Foundation for Focus Areas | Focus Areas interact within and across life cycle phases |
| Development Approach | Determines Focus Area pattern | Predictive approach shows distinct Focus Area peaks; adaptive shows more iteration |
| Process Groups | Related but distinct | Focus Areas are broader; Process Groups are specific to knowledge areas |
| Phase Gates/Reviews | Triggered by Focus Area completion | Closing Focus Area often leads to phase gate reviews |
| Iteration | Applied within Focus Areas | Processes in Focus Areas are iterated before phase/project completion |
Quick Review Questions
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In a predictive project using Figure 4-13 as a reference, which Focus Area receives the highest level of effort during the middle portion of the project?
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A project manager is simultaneously updating the project management plan and reviewing actual costs against the baseline. Which two Focus Areas are overlapping in this situation?
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True or False: The five Focus Areas are only applicable to predictive development approaches.
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During which phase of a construction project (engineering, procurement, construction, commission, handover) would the Closing Focus Area typically receive its highest level of effort?
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A project team is iterating the risk identification process for the third time before completing the planning phase. Does this violate the predictive approach? Why or why not?
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 4.5.6 – Focus Areas as a Whole Figure 4-13 – Example of Focus Area Interactions Within a Project or Phase Using a Predictive Approach