Project Planning

1. 1. Objective 2. Approach 2a. Stages 2b. Phases 3. Implementation Plan 3a. Tasks 3b. Steps 3c. Schedule 4. Progress Reporting Project Planning Structure and Definitions • The objective is the clearest statement possible of WHAT we are trying to do. Usually, the more words the better to start with. • The Approach is HOW to go about meeting our project Objective.At a very high level… WHAT comes first, second, etc. • What are the big, logical breaks in the project work? • What are the big parts of each Stage? • The implementation Plan is a combination document to determine WHO is supposed to do WHAT, and WHEN it needs to be done. A Plan is usually done for each project Phase, and logically flows to meet the objectives for each project Stage. • Tasks are the details of HOW to do the Plan. They are defined in important and logical work units. Tasks should be identified to: 1. Monitor the progress of the implementation Plan. 2. Break a large task into appropriate smaller ones. 3. Show a change in responsibility. 4. Show a change in location. 5. Tasks are not related to schedule, and 6. Tasks are not a step or procedure. • Steps are the details of HOW to do the Task. They are defined or listed in either Procedure, Checklist, Reference Book or Flowchart Diagram format. • Schedule is the day and date timing of WHEN a Task begins and ends. A schedule change does not necessarily mean a change in the Plan. • Reporting is measurement at the Task level of HOW we are doing against the Plan.