Chapter 7: Comprehensive Project Plan

Overview

THE COMPTIA PROJECT+ EXAM TOPICS COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER INCLUDE:

• 2.2 Given an approved project charter, high-level scope documents, and schedule/budget objectives demonstrate the ability to create a project management plan that illustrates key knowledge and understanding.

• 2.26 Identify the components /documents of an adequate project plan and explain the function of each.

• 2.27 Identify the steps involved in organizing a comprehensive project plan and using it to close out the planning phase of a project.

• 2.28 Demonstrate knowledge of how to set performance baselines.

• 2.29 Demonstrate knowledge of the need to create change management procedures for the project plan.

• 2.30 Be able to identify project performance indicators that will be used to monitor and control performance during execution.

• 2.32 Recognize the need to conduct a review meeting as the project transitions from the planning phase to the execution/control/coordination phase. The review would include an assessment of all planning documents.

Finally, we have reached the last chapter dealing with project planning. Critical data is generated from all of the planning processes we discussed in the first six chapters, and you must be wondering-what do you do with this information and how to track it. This is where an overall planning document comes into play.

At this point in the project, you are almost ready to start the project execution phase, and all of the planning output needs to be organized in a way that creates a handbook you can use to lead the completion of the project work.

The planning data is integrated into one comprehensive planning document that contains output from all of the applicable planning processes we have covered so far: Initiation, Scope, Time, Cost, Human Resources, Quality, Communications, Risk, and Procurement.

A typical project plan contains several categories of components such as administrative, planning, templates and checklists, references, and an appendix, all of which we'll discuss in more detail in this chapter.

The development of a project plan is more than just taking all of your planning documents and putting them in a binder. The development of a meaningful project plan requires time and input from your sponsor, project team members , and other stakeholders. A detailed outline or table of contents (TOC) and organization of your planning documents around this outline or TOC are key elements to writing a plan.

Finally, the review, formal approval, and distribution of the project plan signifies the transition of the project from the planning phase into the execution phase.