Quick Overall Outline
An "Overview" statement describing the overall purpose of the document (i.e.
the project) is highly recommended, especially for those stakeholders who are
not very proficient in the area of project management.
Next state the assumptions on which the directive is based. As an example,
the following assumptions were made before writing this paper:
- Assumption 1: The document contains the absolute minimum of information required
for planning a medium-sized project.
- Assumption 2: If the project is larger, more sophisticated or simply has additional
requirements specific to a given industry or a company, then the reader is expected
to expand and tailor it according to the specific needs.
- Assumption 3: Alternatively, if the venture is smaller and a simple one, it
is recommended to insert "N/A" (Not Applicable) with a brief explanation as to
why, rather that delete the section altogether.
The following nine management knowledge areas cover the territory of the project
plan well. Those conversant with the Project Management Institute's Guide to the
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) will find them familiar.
- Scope Management section — contains project scope description and reference
to the detailed scope documentation.
- Quality Management — describes quality tools and techniques that will be utilized
on the project.
- Time Management section — includes the project schedule and key milestones.
- Cost Management section — contains project budget broken down into variable,
fixed and other costs.
- Risk Management — lists all relevant assumptions, constraints and risks.
- Human Resource Management — outlines the project team and the tasks they will
be responsible for.
- Procurement Management — clarifies all the relevant procurement and outsourcing
guidelines for the project.
- Communications Management — explains the distribution of project documentation.
- Stakeholder management — sets out the main stakeholders involved and their role in the project.
Finally, the project plan should include a "Revision History Table" to keep
track of all the changes, updates and modification made to the document. This
is especially important if the document is likely to go through several changes
as it circulates amongst the principal stakeholders. The Revision History should
be in place either that beginning of the Project Plan or at its end.
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Introduction
