Planning is a crucial part of a project to achieve results. The project planning describes the costs, activities and lead time of a project. In this discipline a tangible result is made of a theoretical plan. This is realized by indicating which activities and tasks are required, as well as the necessary resources, personnel, equipment up to financing. Good project planning also plays a role in the risks and management thereof, including contingency plans, and describes a communication strategy to keep all stakeholders informed.

Phases in project planning

Planning a project normally consists of a number of phases. These phases are worked out in advance before a planning is inspected. The elaboration of this is in the form of a business case document in which, among other things, the necessity of the project and a feasibility study are presented. This determines the project's viability in terms of costs and expected benefits.

Stakeholders: In the first phase, all stakeholders are identified. To ensure the success of a project, all wishes, needs and expectations must be discussed. The project is then mapped based on the scope, budget and timeline.

Targets: By mapping targets, the project becomes clear to the project team. This ensures a clearer and more efficient course of work.

(Finished) products: What are the results or products that have to be delivered periodically? Deadlines and end products can be formulated by identifying specific objectives. Progress is documented using statistics.

Planning: Using the information from the previous phases, a timeline for the project can now be developed. As described earlier, a project plan explains the steps required to realize the project. It includes all required activities and tasks, in the correct order and workflow. The project plan uses all previous steps.

Risks: No project is without risks. By identifying these risks, control measures can be drawn up to ensure that planning runs within limits.

After the project planning is created, it is presented to stakeholders. If necessary, it is edited and then managed. Project plan management includes troubleshooting when problems arise, keeping the project on schedule and managing the budget. Want to know more about project planning? Contact us today.