Creating a Project Plan

However big or small your project, a detailed and well-thought out plan will help it run smoothly and achieve the best results. In fact, creating this plan is one of the most important parts of the entire process. Get it right, and you’ll get your project off to the perfect start and arm your team with the information they need to succeed. Get it wrong however, and your project could be fatally flawed before it’s even begun.

To help you put a cohesive, practical and logical plan together, we’re taking a closer look at what makes a good plan and how to create one.

Make your team aware of the project plan’s importance

It’s essential that your team, stakeholders and other relevant parties understand the importance of your project plan. Talk to everyone involved about how the plan will shape your approach, inform your team members and guide the various stages of your project. If necessary, show them examples of other project plans so they can see exactly what you’re trying to do.

Research

Before writing your project plan, you need to do your homework. The more research you do, the more accurate and useful your plan will be. A good project manager should be well-informed about the project’s background, its scope and its objectives.

Identify your objectives

To make a successful project plan, you need to identify your project’s goals and objectives clearly and concisely. Centre your project plan on these goals and clearly establish your aim.

Define your approach

Use your project plan to outline and define your approach. At this stage, you can open discussions on each team members’ specific roles and responsibilities. The more details you provide, the more useful the project plan will be throughout each stage of the process.

Name anyone who will play a key role, including the project manager, team leaders and colleagues responsible for communication. Use the plan to detail the responsibilities and expected goals of each team member. Make sure the project plan also includes information on who each person reports to and who they can go to with doubts or concerns.

Identify potential problems

Identifying potential problems is an important part of planning. Think about all the things that could delay your project, impact your team and affect your deadline. If you can spot potential pitfalls now, you should find it easier to deal with them along the way.

Learn more about project plans, and pick up tips and advice for project planning, by exploring our site or getting in touch with a member of our team.