Writing project plan continued...

 

A summary of a five point plan to tackle new project is listed below:

Step 1: Definition:

This involves defining six elements:

1.      Objectives: use Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound (SMART) technique to set objectives with internal and external input.

2.      Scope: While it is tempting to define what’s in scope, it’s usually the ones that are out of scope that is easier to write

3.      Success criteria: determine the project success and failure as it pertains to business

4.      Deliverables: list work items in detail, if possible

5.      Requirements: This is about what you need as well as what the stakeholders need.

6.      Schedule: A baseline schedule will have milestones and deadline.

Step 2: Identify risk assumptions and constraints: If the risk management cannot be planned ahead of the work items, designate a person to monitor for risks to the projects such as with time and cost.

Step 3: Organize the people for the project into customers, stakeholders and accountables with roles and responsibilities.

Step 4: List the project resources with a bill of materials including licenses, tools and any other external dependencies.

Step 5: Establish a project communications plan including a channel for team discussions, stakeholder discussions and customer discussions. Usually, these communications will elaborate on the preceding steps.

Conclusion: Defining the projects, identifying risks, assembling teams, gathering resources and providing communication channels will get a project off the ground. You will love it when a plan comes together.