PRO4801 Assignment 3 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: August 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 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
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
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.
Unique Number:
Due date: August 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 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
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
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.
