Planning Phase

image of clipboard with checkmarks and time to symbolize planning

During the planning phase of the Project Management Life Cycle, the implementation plan for the solution is developed. The project team is engaged and resource/task planning begins. It is important during this phase to ensure the initial security checklist and review is completed successfully. Required effort during the planning phase varies from project to project.

Key Participants

  • Project owner
  • Project manager
  • Functional/technical lead(s)

Deliverables

  • Project Definition Document (PDD)
  • Project schedule/Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • Communications plan and guidelines (.xls)
  • Signed contract – if required
  • Categorization form (security)

Activities

  • Baseline business requirements
  • Acquire project team
  • Create PDD: Scope, roles, deliverables, milestones, success criteria, budget, resources, issues management, metrics/status reporting plan, change management plan and risk management plan
  • Baseline schedule
  • Obtain signed contract(s)