7 Steps to Successful Project Planning
Lately, I have analyzed the project planning process and how it can be improved. Why do projects managed by talented people end up delayed or incomplete? The lack of proper planning or a systematic approach can be fatal to projects.
Project planning is defining your objectives, scope, goals, milestones (deliverables), tasks, and budgetary resources. A good plan is easily shareable with everyone involved and should be revisited regularly. Simply outlining a plan without discussing it with your team is a recipe for wasted time.
You can do your project planning in a simple Google doc or use project management software like Basecamp, which allows you to store all documents and avoid losing important discussions and decisions. It’s crucial to document your project plan from the start and use it as a roadmap to keep your team on track.
Here are seven keys to successful project planning:
1. Think of your plan as a roadmap for stakeholders. Clearly define goals and name all stakeholders involved in executing the project.
2. Break the project into smaller deliverables with assigned tasks and estimated deadlines. Understand and document the approval process for each deliverable.
3. Talk to your team about their responsibilities in detail. Hold a kickoff meeting to discuss the best approach. Consider using a project management tool like Basecamp to keep everyone on track.
4. Identify risks and plan how to mitigate them. Consider the impact on budgeting.
5. Create an estimated budget and be clear on how the money will be spent.
6. Add milestones and tasks based on the deliverables. Establish reasonable deadlines considering team members’ productivity and availability.
7. Set progress reporting guidelines. Use a collaborative workspace and establish a communication plan to update stakeholders on progress.
The secret to effective project planning is staying organized and communicating well with your team and stakeholders. Think about how you store all materials and resources related to your project to keep everything in one place. Good luck!
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I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
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