What does "integrated project management" entail in CMMI?

Integrated project management in CMMI emphasizes the importance of coordinating all aspects of project processes and practices to achieve project objectives. This holistic approach ensures that various project elements, including planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling, are aligned to work towards common goals. By integrating processes, teams can communicate effectively, respond to changes dynamically, and manage risks in a more cohesive manner.

This coordination is vital for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, allowing teams to leverage resources and information across the project lifecycle. It leads to better decision-making and ultimately contributes to successful project outcomes.

In contrast, focusing solely on cost reduction limits the project scope to financial aspects, neglecting other critical areas such as quality and stakeholder satisfaction. Delegating all tasks to external vendors could hinder the project's cohesion and continuity, as it may lead to fragmentation and loss of control over project objectives. Isolating departments might enhance specialization but can create silos that obstruct collaboration, leading to inefficiencies and misalignment with project goals.