Every project starts with a project plan, a rough outline of what needs to be done.  Most people describe a project as a group of independent tasks that may or may not relate to one another.  As the project progresses, people look for ways to increase productivity, reduce waste, increase quality and/or reduce overhead costs. As with a PRINCE2 Qualification belfast.

There are basically two types of projects.  In this article, I’m going to focus on the creation of a project plan, although these concepts can be applied to everything from developing a marketing plan to developing blueprints for a new skyscraper.  Each of these will have a unique business environment and will involve essentially the same methods of project management.

Creating a Project Plan

The first step in the project management process is solution us:  Why are we doing this project in the first place?

To answer that question, much research must have gone into the environmental factors, economic issues and social issues that have the greatest impact on the type of project and its outcome.  In addition, specific solutions have been developed to address those issues.  For example, a successful solution to developing a new kitchen cabinet may not be acceptable in a country where economies or politics change frequently; and a project manager may not be aware of what they are getting into.

There are many websites online that provide solutions for your problems, but they often are content-only solutions that only address part of the problem.  When these are available, you can still do a basic Internet search and come across some sample plans.  If you are applying for a government grant, you may still be limited by the “local consultant.”  Thus, it would be worthwhile to go to these websites and download a version of the solution page that is specific to your situation and issues.

The actual process of creating a project  plan usually aligns around three major steps:  the understanding of the problem, the identification of the issues, and the creation of a draft presentation. Note: if you download a plan from the Internet, make sure you call the local consultants you contact for more specifics on their specific plans.  You may be qualified to do the project, but that doesn’t mean that you have the right expertise to do the plan.

The steps listed below are not necessarily sequential, but rather are intended as a more practical example.

1.    Problem/Need

The first step in the project planning process is to determine the problem or need for the problem in the organization or the issue and”what the problem, need or need of the project is.”

This is the exact same problem solving process that can keep you focused and on the right track to success.

2.    Action Plan

The second step in the project management process is the creation of an action plan.  In other words, how are we going to get from the problem or need or need of the problem; to the solution or need; and to the plan detailed in step number one.

This is the essential step in defining the actual mechanics of your project and setting it in motion.  This step also contains the key component of a project being successful or failing.

3.    Verify/Confirm

The third step in the project management process is confirmation that the action plan being proposed is specific enough to “walk the talk.”

Verify that within your organization or your group, there is an active decision making mechanism in place to determine whether the proposed action plan will work.  If so, then there is a problem.  If not, that is probably not the right place for you to be spending your resources, whether you’re a small company or a large corporation

4.    Execute

The fourth step in the project management process is execution or execution.  This is the act of actually bringing the solution or idea to life.  A pre- defining the complete work schedule, after all, gives all parties involved a roadmap and keeps on track.  Typically, a basic Human Resources plan will have to be established in order to execute the project plan, i.e. create a schedule for the project team to follow.