Chapter List

11.1 INTRODUCTION

The most important responsibility of the project team is to develop the project plan in consort with other supportive stakeholders. Project planning is reflective thinking about the project s future in relationship to its present role in the design and execution of enterprise strategies. The project plan must be harmonious with the strategic plan of the enterprise, the functional plans, and, where appropriate, with the plans of the relevant stakeholders. If adequate project plans are developed, then an important standard for monitoring, evaluating, and controlling the application of project resources is available. If the project plans are inadequate, then the review of the project during its life cycle is greatly impaired.

In this chapter, a conceptual model of project planning is offered, along with a description of planning processes, considerations, and results that can be expected from adequate planning. The work breakdown structure is put forth as an absolute preliminary initiative to build on for the development of other project plans such as schedules, scheduling techniques, planning charts, and networking techniques. A summary is given of the project planning elements, along with life-cycle planning, cost estimating, statement of work, project specification, and supporting functional plans. A citation of the generic work packages of project planning...