PRO4801
Assignment 3 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: July 2025
QUESTION 1
The project planning process is an essential phase that sets the foundation for successful
project execution. As Nicholas and Steyn (2021) explain, this process involves a structured
approach aimed at determining what needs to be done, how it should be done, who should
do it, when it should be done, how much it will cost, and how progress will be monitored. The
purpose of each step in this process is to answer specific questions that reduce uncertainty
and guide the project team. In the case of the ABC project, these steps were not properly
implemented, leading to avoidable challenges. Below is an explanation of the key steps in
the planning process and the critical questions they address.
Step 1: Define the Desired End Result
The first step in planning is to define the project’s objectives, scope, and system
requirements. This step answers the question, “What is the desired end result?” According to
Nicholas and Steyn (2021), this involves clearly identifying what the project must deliver,
such as products, services, or outcomes. The scope defines the
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1
The project planning process is an essential phase that sets the foundation for
successful project execution. As Nicholas and Steyn (2021) explain, this process
involves a structured approach aimed at determining what needs to be done, how it
should be done, who should do it, when it should be done, how much it will cost, and
how progress will be monitored. The purpose of each step in this process is to
answer specific questions that reduce uncertainty and guide the project team. In the
case of the ABC project, these steps were not properly implemented, leading to
avoidable challenges. Below is an explanation of the key steps in the planning
process and the critical questions they address.
Step 1: Define the Desired End Result
The first step in planning is to define the project’s objectives, scope, and system
requirements. This step answers the question, “What is the desired end result?”
According to Nicholas and Steyn (2021), this involves clearly identifying what the
project must deliver, such as products, services, or outcomes. The scope defines the
boundaries of the project, including what is included and what is excluded. Properly
defining this early on helps to avoid scope creep and ensures that all stakeholders
share a common understanding of what the project will achieve. System
requirements ensure the outputs meet technical standards or customer needs.
Without this clarity, the project team risks working towards goals that are misaligned
with stakeholder expectations, which was one of the key issues in the ABC project.
Step 2: Determine How the Result Will Be Achieved
The second step involves identifying the tasks, work activities, and jobs that need to
be completed. It answers the question, “How will the result be achieved?” These
tasks include all efforts necessary to meet the defined objectives, such as technical
development, testing, planning, and coordination. A Work Breakdown Structure
(WBS) is often used to break the project into manageable tasks. This breakdown
assists in resource allocation and helps ensure that no critical activities are
overlooked. Nicholas and Steyn (2021) stress that comprehensive task identification
allows for better coordination and control later in the project. The ABC project failed
at this stage due to poor task planning and a lack of structured methodology.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
Step 3: Assign Responsibilities
The third step is to identify who will do the work, which answers the question, “Who
will do it?” This step involves assigning responsibilities to individuals, teams,
departments, or subcontractors. It also involves forming the project organisational
structure. Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined to avoid confusion and
overlapping efforts. According to Nicholas and Steyn (2021), clarity in roles promotes
accountability and improves communication among stakeholders. Inexperienced
management, like in the ABC project, often leads to unclear responsibilities, which
contributes to delays and poor coordination.
Step 4: Develop the Project Schedule
The next step is scheduling, which answers the question, “When and in what order?”
This includes setting timelines for each task and determining their sequence using
techniques like the Critical Path Method (CPM) or Gantt charts. Milestones are set to
monitor progress at key stages. An effective schedule ensures work is carried out in
a logical, time-efficient manner and that dependencies between tasks are
recognised. Nicholas and Steyn (2021) highlight the importance of schedule planning
in avoiding bottlenecks and missed deadlines. ABC’s delays may have been avoided
with better scheduling and time management tools.
Step 5: Estimate the Cost and Plan Resources
This step answers the question, “How much will it cost?” It involves developing a
detailed project budget, estimating labour, equipment, material, and overhead costs,
and aligning these with funding availability. A resource plan identifies what resources
(people, equipment, and materials) are needed and when. Nicholas and Steyn
(2021) state that inadequate budgeting is a major cause of project failure. The ABC
project’s budget constraints likely stemmed from poor financial forecasting and
resource planning.
Step 6: Plan for Monitoring and Control
The final step involves determining how to measure project performance and keep
the work on track. This answers the question, “How well is the project progressing?”
It includes setting up control systems to track schedule, cost, quality, and scope. Key
performance indicators (KPIs), regular progress reports, and variance analysis are
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 3 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: July 2025
QUESTION 1
The project planning process is an essential phase that sets the foundation for successful
project execution. As Nicholas and Steyn (2021) explain, this process involves a structured
approach aimed at determining what needs to be done, how it should be done, who should
do it, when it should be done, how much it will cost, and how progress will be monitored. The
purpose of each step in this process is to answer specific questions that reduce uncertainty
and guide the project team. In the case of the ABC project, these steps were not properly
implemented, leading to avoidable challenges. Below is an explanation of the key steps in
the planning process and the critical questions they address.
Step 1: Define the Desired End Result
The first step in planning is to define the project’s objectives, scope, and system
requirements. This step answers the question, “What is the desired end result?” According to
Nicholas and Steyn (2021), this involves clearly identifying what the project must deliver,
such as products, services, or outcomes. The scope defines the
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1
The project planning process is an essential phase that sets the foundation for
successful project execution. As Nicholas and Steyn (2021) explain, this process
involves a structured approach aimed at determining what needs to be done, how it
should be done, who should do it, when it should be done, how much it will cost, and
how progress will be monitored. The purpose of each step in this process is to
answer specific questions that reduce uncertainty and guide the project team. In the
case of the ABC project, these steps were not properly implemented, leading to
avoidable challenges. Below is an explanation of the key steps in the planning
process and the critical questions they address.
Step 1: Define the Desired End Result
The first step in planning is to define the project’s objectives, scope, and system
requirements. This step answers the question, “What is the desired end result?”
According to Nicholas and Steyn (2021), this involves clearly identifying what the
project must deliver, such as products, services, or outcomes. The scope defines the
boundaries of the project, including what is included and what is excluded. Properly
defining this early on helps to avoid scope creep and ensures that all stakeholders
share a common understanding of what the project will achieve. System
requirements ensure the outputs meet technical standards or customer needs.
Without this clarity, the project team risks working towards goals that are misaligned
with stakeholder expectations, which was one of the key issues in the ABC project.
Step 2: Determine How the Result Will Be Achieved
The second step involves identifying the tasks, work activities, and jobs that need to
be completed. It answers the question, “How will the result be achieved?” These
tasks include all efforts necessary to meet the defined objectives, such as technical
development, testing, planning, and coordination. A Work Breakdown Structure
(WBS) is often used to break the project into manageable tasks. This breakdown
assists in resource allocation and helps ensure that no critical activities are
overlooked. Nicholas and Steyn (2021) stress that comprehensive task identification
allows for better coordination and control later in the project. The ABC project failed
at this stage due to poor task planning and a lack of structured methodology.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
Step 3: Assign Responsibilities
The third step is to identify who will do the work, which answers the question, “Who
will do it?” This step involves assigning responsibilities to individuals, teams,
departments, or subcontractors. It also involves forming the project organisational
structure. Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined to avoid confusion and
overlapping efforts. According to Nicholas and Steyn (2021), clarity in roles promotes
accountability and improves communication among stakeholders. Inexperienced
management, like in the ABC project, often leads to unclear responsibilities, which
contributes to delays and poor coordination.
Step 4: Develop the Project Schedule
The next step is scheduling, which answers the question, “When and in what order?”
This includes setting timelines for each task and determining their sequence using
techniques like the Critical Path Method (CPM) or Gantt charts. Milestones are set to
monitor progress at key stages. An effective schedule ensures work is carried out in
a logical, time-efficient manner and that dependencies between tasks are
recognised. Nicholas and Steyn (2021) highlight the importance of schedule planning
in avoiding bottlenecks and missed deadlines. ABC’s delays may have been avoided
with better scheduling and time management tools.
Step 5: Estimate the Cost and Plan Resources
This step answers the question, “How much will it cost?” It involves developing a
detailed project budget, estimating labour, equipment, material, and overhead costs,
and aligning these with funding availability. A resource plan identifies what resources
(people, equipment, and materials) are needed and when. Nicholas and Steyn
(2021) state that inadequate budgeting is a major cause of project failure. The ABC
project’s budget constraints likely stemmed from poor financial forecasting and
resource planning.
Step 6: Plan for Monitoring and Control
The final step involves determining how to measure project performance and keep
the work on track. This answers the question, “How well is the project progressing?”
It includes setting up control systems to track schedule, cost, quality, and scope. Key
performance indicators (KPIs), regular progress reports, and variance analysis are
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
