Purpose of Planning

 

Purpose of Planning

The ultimate purpose of planning is to build a model that allows you to predict which tasks and resources are critical to the timely completion of the project. Strategies may then be implemented to ensure that these tasks and resources are managed properly, thus ensuring that the project will be delivered both On Time and Within Budget.

Planning aims to:

• Identify the total scope of the project and plan to deliver it

• Evaluate different project delivery methods

• Identify products/deliverables required to deliver a project under a logical breakdown of the project

• Identify and optimize the use of resources and evaluate if target dates may be met

• Identify risks, plan to minimize them and set priorities

• Provide a baseline plan against which progress is measured

• Assist in stakeholders’ communication, identifying what is to be done, when and by whom

• Assist management to think ahead and make informed decisions.

Planning helps to avoid or assists in evaluating:

• Increased project costs or reduction in scope and/or quality

• Additional project testing and handover costs

• Extensions of time claims

• Loss of your client’s revenue

• Resolving contractual disputes with subcontractors and suppliers

• The loss of reputation of those involved in a project

• Loss of a facility or asset in the event of a total project failure.