PRO4801
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
, PRO4801 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE AUGUST 2026
Question 3.1
Distinguish between the different steps in the project planning process and
explain the purpose of typical questions to be answered in each step.
Project planning is the foundational function of project management that determines
what must be done, how it will be done, who will do it, when it will be done, and at what
cost. Without thorough planning, even the most skilled project team and appropriate
organisational structure cannot guarantee project success. The planning process is
particularly critical during the conception and definition phases, where a plan is
prepared specifying project goals, tasks, budgets, and schedules (Nicholas & Steyn,
2017, Chapter 6). This section distinguishes the key steps in the project planning
process and explains the purpose of the typical questions answered at each step.
The Project Planning Process
The planning process involves answering a series of fundamental questions in a logical
sequence. According to Nicholas and Steyn (2017, Section 6.1), the planning process
typically follows these steps:
Define the Desired End Result
Question: "What is the desired end result?"
This step establishes the project objectives, scope, and system requirements. It
specifies the project deliverables, end-items, and other sought-after results, as well as
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
, PRO4801 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE AUGUST 2026
Question 3.1
Distinguish between the different steps in the project planning process and
explain the purpose of typical questions to be answered in each step.
Project planning is the foundational function of project management that determines
what must be done, how it will be done, who will do it, when it will be done, and at what
cost. Without thorough planning, even the most skilled project team and appropriate
organisational structure cannot guarantee project success. The planning process is
particularly critical during the conception and definition phases, where a plan is
prepared specifying project goals, tasks, budgets, and schedules (Nicholas & Steyn,
2017, Chapter 6). This section distinguishes the key steps in the project planning
process and explains the purpose of the typical questions answered at each step.
The Project Planning Process
The planning process involves answering a series of fundamental questions in a logical
sequence. According to Nicholas and Steyn (2017, Section 6.1), the planning process
typically follows these steps:
Define the Desired End Result
Question: "What is the desired end result?"
This step establishes the project objectives, scope, and system requirements. It
specifies the project deliverables, end-items, and other sought-after results, as well as