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When you decide to undertake a particular project, it can initially be quite daunting.
Where should you begin?
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But coming up with a project plan isnt necessarily straightforward either.
Project planning will usually outline certain timeframes, as well as define the resources that you will use.
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What is a project plan and how to create one in 5 steps?
Meet with these stakeholders where possible and get them to discuss their needs and expectations from the project.
Define their roles, keeping in mind that some stakeholders might have multiple within a single project.
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Without a clear objective, your project will flounder without an objective and no way of measuring success.
Defining your project objectives will also inform the final shape that your project takes.
Your goals will also help determine where resources are allocated and what tools youll use.
A Gantt chart, for instance, can help with task prioritization and mapping project dependencies.
When creating a project plan, businesses should establish a schedule as early as possible.
Flexibility will be important if timelines have to be shifted in light of new developments.
Could they delay the projects completion?
Could they damage your results?
Dont wait until the deadline has passed before you check in on individual employees.
check that your plan is shared with all the relevant stakeholders as part of an open discussion.
If there are any concerns, allow these same stakeholders to share them freely.
Project planning should be an ongoing process with feedback always welcomed.
Ask stakeholders if they fully understand the plan youve come up with.
If there are any reservations, its highly unlikely that your plan will deliver the results youre looking for.
And remember your project doesnt exist in isolation.
Did your plan lead to the desired outcome?
What could be communicated better?
What would you change for the next project?
Conduct a thorough final evaluation covering the planning stage, implementation, and results.
Canvass opinions from multiple stakeholders when you’re carrying out your final evaluation too.
Talking to different stakeholders is the only way of getting a well-rounded picture of a projects success.
Do you really need a project plan?
A project plan provides structure around what you want to achieve, when, with whom, and how.
