What Is a Project Plan?

As you have learned from previous chapters, the project planning process commences with initiation and includes processes from the entire Guide to the PMBOK knowledge areas. A comprehensive project plan is a document that integrates all planning data into one document that the project manager can be use as a guidebook for moving the project into the execution phase and overseeing the project. The project plan uses the output from the planning processes to create a consistent end-to-end document covering all project phases. The project plan is maintained and updated throughout the life of the project.

Creating a comprehensive project plan is a very important component of project planning that is often overlooked. It may not seem important that all of your planning data is organized into one central document, but without it you will find yourself constantly fielding questions regarding the project requiring you to search for the file on the project charter, the scope statement, the WBS, or some other planning document.

Further, a lot of important data is created during the planning process. If this data is not clearly organized and distributed to the right people, it will be of little value.

The purpose of a project plan extends beyond just a collection of project data, and there are also benefits from a high-quality plan you will realize during project execution and control.

Purpose The final step in the project planning phase produces a formal, approved document that is used to guide project execution and control. It provides the basis for performing and managing all project- related activities.

The project plan is the document you will use during project execution and control as the foundation to track the performance of your project and take any needed corrective action. It is used to communicate key information to the project stakeholders.

Benefits The project plan is a single source of information regarding all key elements of the project-available to everyone associated with the project.

The plan is a reference source that can clarify questions such as what is or is not included in the scope of the project, who the key stakeholders are, and what the major deliverables are, along with many others.

The project plan is a guidebook that can be used during project execution to focus team members , thus keeping the project on course.

To better understand what the comprehensive project plan is all about, let's take a look at the components you will find in a typical project plan.