Creating a Project Plan

Written by: eschulze • Edited by: Michele McDonough
Updated Jun 28, 2010 • Related Guides: Project Planning | Project Scope | Project Completion

Project planning begins with laying out answers to certain questions such as: why, what, who, and when, your will have a great start. When you have specific answers to these broad questions you will want to focus in even further on the essentials of the project.

Formalizing the Process

The first step in formalizing the project process is creating a project plan. A project plan is a document that is designed to guide project control and execution. The project plan enables communication between all parties that hold a stake in the success of the project.

The plan needs to describe the execution, management and control of the project in some detail. Reference other documents and spreadsheets for specific timelines, budgets, and quality assurance strategies rather than detailing these items directly in the project plan.

Specific Steps

Define the ultimate goal to be achieved by the project completion - the Project Manager must have a clear view of the goal of the project.
Develop a mission statement for the project - This can be as simple or as complex as you choose to make it. Take your time and think it through before you lock it in.
List all strategies for completing the tasks
Select the best strategy for the project
Prepare a Statement of Project Scope - This should be a living document and the Project Manager should be ready to revise it when necessary (boundaries, objectives and requirements)
Develop detailed implementation plan
Get the plan signed off by all project stakeholders - Create a standard form to be used on every project

Checklist

Project plan checklists can help you stay on task and consider different questions that your project should answer.

I have not tried the project kickstart software, but they do have a detailed checklist posted.
Greg Horine includes his checklist in the book Absolute Beginners Guide to Project Management second edition.
The best source for free online project planning checklists can be found at Bright-Green.com.

Conclusion

If you are familiar with project management, common sense plays a key role in project planning. Take the time to lay out your project in advance, using prior experience to assist your future project. In addition, use the tools available to you with free applications that can be taken from the internet and efficient software that can be purchased.

Developing Your First Project Management Plan, by Michele McDonough provides additional project management planning tips.