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3. The ABC project faced many challenges, including delays and budgetary constraints. Among
the key issues raised has been the specification of the product, which must ensure the customer
gets value for money. It is reported that poor planning was the order of the day due to a lack of
experience of the hired project manager and a lack of guidelines regarding approaches to take.
The organisation was still growing and had to establish a Project Management Office to provide
guidance and support. As an expert who completed PRO4801 and with experience gained over
the years working on various types of projects, you have been hired as a consultant to provide
guidelines on how planning should be undertaken. You’re required to provide confidence to the
appointing authority by addressing the questions (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) posed in the different sections.
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.
Introduction
Effective project planning is critical for ensuring that projects achieve their objectives, particularly in
contexts where challenges such as delays, budgetary constraints, and unclear guidelines exist.
Planning provides a structured approach to address key questions about what the project is expected
to deliver, how it will be executed, who will perform the tasks, and how performance will be
monitored and controlled. The ultimate aim of this process is to develop a comprehensive project
execution plan that guides the project team and ensures value for money (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
What is the Desired End Result?
The first step in project planning is to clearly define the desired end result, which involves specifying
project objectives, scope, and system requirements. This step answers the question of what the
project is intended to achieve and identifies the deliverables, timeframes, cost expectations, and
performance targets. Establishing these parameters early provides clarity for all stakeholders and
ensures alignment with project goals, which is particularly important for avoiding misunderstandings
that can lead to delays and inefficiencies (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
How Will the Result Be Achieved?
The next step focuses on defining the work activities and tasks required to achieve the project
objectives. This includes breaking down the project into manageable work packages and structuring
them within a work breakdown structure. Each activity, including planning, control, and
administrative tasks, must be clearly outlined to ensure the project is executable. This step ensures
that the project team understands the sequence of work and the resources needed to deliver the
project successfully (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
Who Will Do It?
Project planning must also determine the project organization and assign responsibilities. Identifying
the individuals, teams, or subcontractors responsible for each task ensures accountability and
efficient resource allocation. This step integrates the work breakdown structure with the project
organization, clarifying who is responsible for what and enabling effective team formation,
especially in projects involving multiple functional areas (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
3. The ABC project faced many challenges, including delays and budgetary constraints. Among
the key issues raised has been the specification of the product, which must ensure the customer
gets value for money. It is reported that poor planning was the order of the day due to a lack of
experience of the hired project manager and a lack of guidelines regarding approaches to take.
The organisation was still growing and had to establish a Project Management Office to provide
guidance and support. As an expert who completed PRO4801 and with experience gained over
the years working on various types of projects, you have been hired as a consultant to provide
guidelines on how planning should be undertaken. You’re required to provide confidence to the
appointing authority by addressing the questions (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) posed in the different sections.
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.
Introduction
Effective project planning is critical for ensuring that projects achieve their objectives, particularly in
contexts where challenges such as delays, budgetary constraints, and unclear guidelines exist.
Planning provides a structured approach to address key questions about what the project is expected
to deliver, how it will be executed, who will perform the tasks, and how performance will be
monitored and controlled. The ultimate aim of this process is to develop a comprehensive project
execution plan that guides the project team and ensures value for money (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
What is the Desired End Result?
The first step in project planning is to clearly define the desired end result, which involves specifying
project objectives, scope, and system requirements. This step answers the question of what the
project is intended to achieve and identifies the deliverables, timeframes, cost expectations, and
performance targets. Establishing these parameters early provides clarity for all stakeholders and
ensures alignment with project goals, which is particularly important for avoiding misunderstandings
that can lead to delays and inefficiencies (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
How Will the Result Be Achieved?
The next step focuses on defining the work activities and tasks required to achieve the project
objectives. This includes breaking down the project into manageable work packages and structuring
them within a work breakdown structure. Each activity, including planning, control, and
administrative tasks, must be clearly outlined to ensure the project is executable. This step ensures
that the project team understands the sequence of work and the resources needed to deliver the
project successfully (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
Who Will Do It?
Project planning must also determine the project organization and assign responsibilities. Identifying
the individuals, teams, or subcontractors responsible for each task ensures accountability and
efficient resource allocation. This step integrates the work breakdown structure with the project
organization, clarifying who is responsible for what and enabling effective team formation,
especially in projects involving multiple functional areas (Nicholas & Steyn 2021).
