Project Management For Dummies®

Chapter 20. Ten Questions to Help You Plan Your Project

In This Chapter

• Clarifying your project's purpose

• Describing outcomes, schedules, and resources

• Addressing the uncertainties

When you begin a project, you always feel the pressure to jump in and start working to meet the aggressive time schedules. You want to be sure it's planned out before you start, but you're not quite sure where to begin, and you're always under pressure to start producing results.

Answer the following questions in this chapter to be sure you've completely identified all the work your project will require.

What's the Purpose of Your Project?

As soon as you're assigned to your project, get a clear and complete picture of its significance. Determine the following:

• What situation(s) led to your project?

• Who had the original idea?

• Who else hopes to benefit from it?

• What would happen if your project weren't done?

An accurate appreciation of your project's purpose can lead to better plans, a greater sense of team‐member commitment, and improved performance. See Chapters 2 and 3 for discussions of a project's purpose.

Whom Do You Need to Involve?

Knowing early whom you need to involve allows you to plan for their participation at the appropriate times. Involving these people in a timely manner ensures their input will be available when it's needed and lets them know that you value and respect their contributions.

As you determine who may play a role in your project's success, categorize them as follows:

• Drivers: People looking ...