Creating A Project Management Plan

GOAL: With a Good Plan, the Proof is in the Results

As you know, homeowners convey their vision to architects to design their dream homes. Architects then draw up “schematic designs” or blueprints that translate homeowner aspirations for builders to estimate construction costs.

In construction, two important elements figure for implementing successful projects—time and money. As the trade saying goes, “time is money and schedule is budget.” That’s why construction plans are essential in nailing down costs to the exact penny.

And, how other professional fields can learn from the building industry to make smart adaptations unique to their own needs. At the heart of this management process is getting a firm handle on the project plan itself.

There are many components to a project plan; here are some.

1. Basic components of a solid project plan
2. Background or rationale for the project (as in drawing up blueprints to build an energy-saving house using green technology)
3. Scope outlining the extent of the project—indoor footprint of the house not exceeding 1500-square feet, indoor rooms and outdoor spatial requirements such as patio and courtyard
4. Stakeholders or sponsors—or homeowners
5. Project manager—or lead contractor
6. Project goal and objectives—where time is money and schedule is budget
7. Project timelines—when specific tasks start and end
8. Work to be performed—detailed breakdowns of specific tasks
9. Risks and assumptions—anticipate bottlenecks before they occur
10. Project cost—in a previous blog, I identified 5 tips for arriving at a budget
11. Agreement and authorization to commence the project

It’s important to know that plans are subject to changes and revisions as projects proceed, with each change noted as it impacts both plan and budget.

What’s the utility of a plan? It helps project managers complete jobs on time and within budget—and a sure way to build solid professional reputations.

BIO: A corporate executive and entrepreneur, Angela Brister is the author of When Life Hands You A Project, Manage It! Visit http://www.projectmanageit.com/ for more online project management ideas. You're welcome to quote from this article and credit the source to Angela Brister at: http://projectmanageit.blogspot.com/.