The following will be discussed in this chapter: The basis of a project plan - the “project charter”, the planning process - overview, the planning process - nuts and bolts, more on the work breakdown structure and other aids, risk management. | Chapter 3 Project Activity and Risk Planning Two Extremes Approaches to Planning “Ready, fire, aim” Tom Peters “Paralysis by analysis” There is a happy medium that everyone would like to strike The Basis of a Project Plan-the “Project Charter” Primary function of a project plan is to serve as a roadmap Should include the business case and strategic reasons for the project Should contain sufficient information to know the status of the project at any time Also needs the project’s history to date Categories of Elements Required in the Project Charter Purpose Objectives Overview Schedules Resource requirements Personnel and stakeholders Risk management Evaluation methods Slide on each Purpose Business case for the project Strategic reasons for the project Expected profitability Competitive effects Desired scope Any other technical results Intent is to communicate to stakeholders the reasons for the project Objectives Another name is project mission statement More detailed description of | Chapter 3 Project Activity and Risk Planning Two Extremes Approaches to Planning “Ready, fire, aim” Tom Peters “Paralysis by analysis” There is a happy medium that everyone would like to strike The Basis of a Project Plan-the “Project Charter” Primary function of a project plan is to serve as a roadmap Should include the business case and strategic reasons for the project Should contain sufficient information to know the status of the project at any time Also needs the project’s history to date Categories of Elements Required in the Project Charter Purpose Objectives Overview Schedules Resource requirements Personnel and stakeholders Risk management Evaluation methods Slide on each Purpose Business case for the project Strategic reasons for the project Expected profitability Competitive effects Desired scope Any other technical results Intent is to communicate to stakeholders the reasons for the project Objectives Another name is project mission statement More detailed description of the Scope Deliverables Outcomes Communicate to project team members what will be done to achieve the overall project objectives Overview Intended for senior management Brief description of project Deliverables Milestones Expected profitability and competitive effects Technological and managerial approaches Agreements with the client or any third party Schedule Summary of schedules and milestones Work breakdown structure (WBS) Time to complete each task Resource Requirements Estimates of project expenses Capital and operating Costs associated with each task Overhead and fixed charges Appropriate account numbers Project budget Personnel and Stakeholders Stakeholders, sponsor, project manager, and some team members Special skill requirements Necessary training Special legal arrangements Such as non-disclosure agreements Risk Management Listing of potential disasters Major and minor Late subcontractor deliveries, bad weather, unreasonable deadlines, equipment failure, changes in project
