Module - 3 Project Planning
2026-08-04 11:07
Tags: #pm
Author: Duke Hsu
Topic
- Project Plan
- Components of a Project Plan
- How Do You Create a Project Plan
- Project Planning Tools
1. Project Plan
A project plan is a series of formal documents that define the execution and control stages of a project. The plan includes considerations for risk management, resource management and communications , while also addressing scope, cost and schedule baselines.
The project plan serves as a roadmap for the entire process of project management.
1.1 Project planning involves
- Defining Objectives
- Explaining the Scope
- Scheduling Tasks
- Generating Progress Report
1.2 Project Planning Fundamentals
- Determination of Scope, Cost, and Resources
- Work Breakdown Structure(WBS) helps this process by dividing the whole task into smaller, manageable segments.
- Identification of the Problem
- Identification of Stakeholders
- Definition of Project Objectives
1.3 Why Project Panning ?
- Ensures monitoring of the budget and schedule at every step.
- Includes a schedule that guides team members in completing their tasks and helps them in knowing witch tool they will need and when
- Helps team stay engaged for higher project performance
- Ensures there is the active participation of all the team members and allows them to have an opportunistic approach towards their work
2. Components of a Project Plan
- Scope
- Budget
- Timeline
- Generating Progress Report
3. How Do You Create a Project Plan
- Define Stakeholders
- Define Roles
- Introduce Stakeholders
- Set Goals
- Prioritize Tasks
- Create a Schedule
- Assess Risks
- Communicate
- Reassess
- Final Evaluation
4. Project Planning Tools
4.1 Gantt Chart
- Project schedule by mapping project tasks over a visual timeline which shows the order in which they'll be completed.
- Every Gantt chart has two main parts, a grid or task list on the left side and a project timeline on the right.
4.2 Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Is a project management technique that's used by project managers to create an accurate project schedule.
- The CPM method , also known as critical path analysis (CPA), consists in using the CPM formula and a network diagram to visually represent the task sequences of a project.
- Once these task sequences or paths are defined , their duration is calculated to identify the critical path .
4.3 PERT Chart
- A program evaluation review technique (PERT) chart is a graphical representation of a project's timeline that displays all the individual tasks necessary to complete the project.
- PERT chart is a project management tool that allows users to map out a project's timeline and itemize individual tasks.
4.4 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- WBS is a visual , hierarchical and deliverable-oriented deconstruction of a project.
- It is a helpful diagram for project managers because it allows them to break down their project scope and visualize all the tasks required to complete their projects.
- It defines all the work that needs to be completed (and in what order ) to achieve the project goals and objectives.
- By visualizing your project in this manner, you can understand your project scope, and allocate resources for all your project tasks.
4.5 Project Documentation
- Project documentation consists of a collection of documents that the project manager creates during the project's development process.
- The project team is expected to follow certain procedures, specifications, and guidelines for such documents, including a project plan, schedule, and budget
4.5.1 Details of Project Documentation Phases
- Feasibility Report
- Project Charter
- Requirement Specification
- Design Document
- Work Plan / Estimate
- Traceability matrix
- Issue Tracker
- Change Management Document
- Test Document
- Technical Document
- Functional Document
- User Manual
- Transition / Rollout Plan
- Handover Document
- Contract Closure
- Lessons Learned
References
Module 3 - Project Planning