In the Close Project or Phase process within Project Integration Management, which of the following is a key activity or objective?

Introduction / Context:
Close Project or Phase is the final integration process in the project life cycle. It ensures that all work is completed, deliverables are accepted and administrative tasks such as updating records and releasing resources are finished. This process brings formal closure and helps the organization capture lessons for future projects. The question checks whether you can recognize the key activity that characterizes this closing process as distinct from initiation, planning or ongoing control.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The process is Close Project or Phase within Project Integration Management.
• The project has reached the point where all deliverables should be completed or a decision to terminate has been made.
• All process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling) have produced their outputs.
• Administrative closure and archival of information are required.

Concept / Approach:
Close Project or Phase focuses on finalizing all activities, confirming that the project or phase objectives have been met, obtaining formal acceptance, and documenting lessons learned. It also involves archiving project documents and updating organizational process assets. This is different from authorizing the project (charter), planning the baseline (planning processes) or continuously controlling changes (change control processes). When selecting the answer, look for the description that mentions finalizing activities and formally completing the project or phase.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine option A. It states that the process finalizes all activities across all process groups to formally complete the project or phase and archives project information. This matches PMBOK descriptions of Close Project or Phase.Step 2: Examine option B. Authorizing the project and assigning the project manager is the role of Develop Project Charter during Initiating.Step 3: Examine option C. Developing detailed schedule and budget baselines is part of Planning processes such as Develop Schedule and Determine Budget.Step 4: Examine option D. Controlling changes to scope, schedule and cost is part of monitoring and controlling processes such as Perform Integrated Change Control and Control Scope.Step 5: Conclude that option A correctly describes a key objective of Close Project or Phase.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check PMBOK style descriptions of Close Project or Phase. They emphasize ensuring that all project work is completed, that the project or phase is formally closed and that project records are archived and lessons learned documented. The process also includes confirming acceptance of the deliverables. None of the other options describe these finalization and archival activities. This confirms that option A is the correct representation of the process objective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes an initiation function that starts the project rather than ending it. Option C describes planning tasks that establish baselines but do not wrap up the project. Option D describes ongoing control tasks that happen throughout execution and monitoring, not the final closure of the project or phase. None of these capture the idea of formally completing all work and archiving information.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates underestimate the importance of project closure, treating it as a simple administrative step rather than a formal process. This can lead to missed lessons learned, incomplete documentation and unresolved contractual issues. Another pitfall is conflating operational handover with project closure; while handover is part of closing, the project team must also ensure that internal records and baselines are properly archived. Recognizing the distinct purpose of Close Project or Phase helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
A key activity in the Close Project or Phase process is finalizing all activities across all project management process groups to formally complete the project or phase and archiving project information.