![]() There will be situations whereby a project is still required in order to address an isolated problem that may not necessarily be part of the bigger strategic picture. If it does not, the project should be revisited more closely. First, determine if the project aligns with broader business objectives. To become an expert at planning, work on anticipating all aspects of a project that will either create a win or risk the outcome. ![]() SEE: A simple Excel timesheet for tracking work hours (free download) (TechRepublic) How to become an expert planner Without this vital step, it is almost certain things will fall through the cracks and a project team is bound to miss crucial details, deadlines and eventually deliverables. This is where expectations are set and assumptions are identified. It’s where the scope of the project is laid out, where the timeline, costs, deliverables and the details are ironed out. This is where you cross the T’s and dot the I’s. Planning is the second phase of project management. Proper planning allows teams to ensure that risks can be mitigated against and that smaller tasks roll-up into milestones that meet with the larger goals of the project, reducing potential risks. What may seem like a minor risk to a task could pose a larger threat later during project execution. Risk is always lurking in the background, whether at a micro or macro level. Planning identifies and reduces potential risks SEE: How to keep your staff motivated and engaged (free PDF) (TechRepublic) What does careful planning help to achieve? Not understanding how planning affects the successful execution of projects may be one of the biggest reasons planning is ignored. This need to skip over the most critical project management phase will likely result in regret and rework, at the very least. ![]() This can play a significant role in why project managers gloss over the planning phase and jump right into execution. The pressure to complete a project in a specified amount of time may have caused them to either skip or rush through the planning phase. Many project managers have encountered situations where they were saddled with unrealistic expectations. So why do project managers rush this step? Here are three reasons: After all, how can you manage a project without determining how and when you are going to manage it? Yes, planning takes time and effort, and is in no way exciting (for most of us), but it is necessary for success. ![]() The old adage “failure to plan is planning to fail” certainly holds true when managing projects. During this phase, you create smaller goals within the larger project, making sure each is achievable within the time frame. Project planning requires breaking down a larger project into tasks, assembling a project team, and determining a schedule over which the work is to be completed. TechRepublic Premium editorial calendar: IT policies, checklists, toolkits and research for download Microsoft’s Work Trend Index: Employee engagement pays off in productivity, stock priceġ0 Best Applicant Tracking Systems for 2023 Gartner: ChatGPT interest boosts generative AI investments The Project Management Institute estimates that as of 2017, organizations were wasting an average of $97 million for every $1 billion invested, due to poor project performance. Without careful planning, project performance is almost certainly guaranteed to suffer. Planning is needed to identify desired goals, reduce risks, avoid missed deadlines, and ultimately deliver the agreed product, service or result. Project planning plays an essential role in helping guide stakeholders, sponsors, teams, and the project manager through other project phases. ![]()
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