Planning Cycle

 

Planning Cycle

The planning cycle is an integral part of managing a project. A software package such as Microsoft Project makes this task much easier.

When the original plan is agreed to, the Baseline or Target is set. The Baseline is a record of the original plan. The Baseline dates may be recorded in Microsoft Project in data fields titled Baseline Start and Baseline Finish.

After project planning has ended and project execution has begun, the actual progress is monitored, recorded in the software and compared to the Baseline.

The plan may be changed by adding or deleting tasks and adjusting Remaining Durations or Resources.

A revised plan is then published as progress continues.

Updating a schedule assists in the management of a project by recording and displaying:

• The revised completion date and final forecast of costs for the project,

• Historical data that may be used to support extension of time claims and dispute resolution, and

• Historical data that may be used in future projects of a similar nature.