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Project Plan Template

Our 5-Step Project Methodology

By Dick Billows, PMP, GCA

 

Summary: In our 5-step project methodology we give you a checklist of project steps supported by 12 best practices techniques you will learn, adapted for smaller projects. We start with a broadbrush project plan, then decompose that as we gather requirements. The we use the charter to avoid problems, make clear assignments to our team, optimize the plan and track result and statue. Learn this methodology online with 1-to-1 instruction in our Essentials of Project Management Course

 

Watch videos our approach to the work breakdown structure, project planning also see how you learn these techniques and practice them in our courses. You get hand's on practice with personal coaching from our certified project managers

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Small Project Planning Template

Use this template as a step-by-step guide to planning with measured achievements as detailed in our Achievement-driven Project Methodology

Present Date:  ____________ Status Date:  ____________ Update Number:  ________

5-Step Project Management Process
Stakeholders to engaged in the process
Accountability
Communication Techniques & Content

1. Project Broadbrush Planning - Sponsor approval of the MOS™ and High-level Achievements
  • Define Project Scope in Measurable Terms
  • Decompose Scope into 4-7 HIgh level Achievement
  • Project Charter with Assumptions, Constraints, Risks, PM Authority
  • Broadbrush Plan Presentation

2. Project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • Requirements Gathering
  • Further Decomposition down to the level of"Right-Sized" Assignments
  • Complete Assignment Work Package

3. Estimation of resource requirements, task durations, and completion of resource pre-commitment agreements
  • Clear Assignments to each Team Member
  • Secure Availability and Estimate Work in the Assignment
  • Team Member and Functional Manager Approve Work Package

4. Implementation Schedule (Gantt) - Apply schedule compression techniques
  • Build Dynamic Schedule with Predecessors and work Estimates
  • Optimize the Critical Path

5. Track actuals and report status
  • Gather Status Data
  • Analyze Variance, model options
  • Report Status

Learn this methodology online with 1-to-1 instruction at your pace and schedule

in our Essentials of Project Management Course

 

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© 2004 The Hampton Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission . The Microsoft Corporation owns the registered trademark Microsoft Project®. The Project Management Institute, Inc. owns the following registered trade and certification marks: PMI® PMBOK® PMP® and CAPM®. The CompTIA IT Project + certified professional logo is a registered trademark of CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association). All rights reserved.2003