Exam Essentials

Explain the purpose of a comprehensive project plan. A comprehensive project plan is the document you will use during execution and control to track the performance of the project and take any needed corrective action. It is used to communicate key information to the project stakeholders.

Be familiar with the components of a comprehensive project plan. A comprehensive project plan contains components such as documentation revision control, a table of contents, executive summary, a list of stakeholders, project requirements, major deliverables, expected resources, environmental issues, and plans for implementation, support, and training.

Understand what is meant when project plan development is described as an iterative process.

The planning process is repeated in cycles as more information is obtained or changes are made to the project.

Explain the importance of performance baselines. Baselines are a picture of what is expected to happen before the project work begins. They are used to measure the progress being made. Common baselines include the scope statement, the schedule, and the budget.

Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of a formal review of the project plan. A formal review is scheduled to assure a common understanding of the project plan by all stakeholders. Stakeholders have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback before the plan is finalized.

Identify the steps involved in creating a project plan. The project manager should create an outline or table of contents for review with the sponsor and other stakeholders. The writing of the plan involves bringing together and integrating all of the output from the planning processes. A review of the draft plan is held with all stakeholders. The project sponsor provides formal approval or sign off of the plan.