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PPM Policy

Methods

Resources

Planning

Description

Planning is a vital part of the Programme & Project Management (PPM) process and has been described as, “10% inspiration and 90% perspiration” - David Marsh in PPSO Handbook Volume 1 – ch. 3, section 1.

Project plans are generally produced in Gantt chart format using Microsoft Project. However, it is important to make the point that having a Gantt chart is not the same as having a good plan. Planning is a much more all-encompassing process which describes:

  • What work needs to be done;
  • How the work will be done;
  • When the work will be done;
  • Who will do the work; and
  • How much it will cost to do the work.

How it works

Control is a significant part of the project planning process. Projects are usually split into ‘blocks’ (stages) which facilitate control and provide natural break points for review, decision-making and commitment to the next phase. In relation to planning, the control cycle runs as follows:

Diagram above illustrating the planning cycle. If this diagram is not accessible or you require an alternative format, please contact us at coe@dfpni.gov.uk

For more information please follow the links provided.