- Creating a project plan involves several steps, including defining the project scope, identifying the project objectives, identifying the project stakeholders, determining the project deliverables, developing a project schedule, allocating resources, and creating a project budget. Here's a general overview of how to create a project plan:
- Define the project scope: Clearly define the boundaries of the project, including what is included and what is excluded.
- Identify the project objectives: Determine what the project aims to accomplish and how it will be measured.
- Identify the project stakeholders: In addition to the sponsor who commissioned you, who else needs to be involved in the project?
- Determine the project deliverables: Create a list of all the products, services, or results that the project will deliver to meet the objectives.
- Develop a project schedule: Create a timeline that outlines the tasks, milestones, and deadlines that are required to complete the project. Use a Gantt chart or a similar tool to visualize the schedule.
- Allocate resources: Determine the resources needed to complete each task, including staff, equipment, and materials.
- Create a project budget: Estimate the cost of each resource, and use this information to create a project budget.
- Identify risks and mitigation strategies: Identify potential risks to the project and develop strategies to mitigate or manage them.
- Develop a communication plan: Identify who needs to be informed about the project, how often, and what information they need.
- Monitor and control the project: Regularly review the project's progress against the plan, and make adjustments as needed to keep it on track.
It's a common practice to include a project Charter--a single page cover sheet describing the project's' essential information. The helps others quickly understand the purpose of the project.
Creating a project plan can be a complex process, but it's an essential step in ensuring the project's success. Consider using project management software to help you plan and manage the project. Popular project planning software includes Microsoft Project, Jira, Smartsheet, Asana, and One-Page.