Project Plan or Project Management Plan or PM Plan is a key document that combines and integrates all other project management knowledge area planning documents. PM plan is the basis of Project Execution and Monitoring/Controlling.
Subsidiary Plan based on Knowledge areas include
- Scope Management Plan
- Schedule Management Plan
- Cost Management Plan
- Communication Management Plan
- Staffing Management Plan
- Quality Management Plan
- Risk Management Plan
- Procurement Management Plan.
Other than these other Plans may be included such as Requirement Management Plan, Change Management Plan, Configuration Management Plan, Process Improvement Plan.
Requirement Management Plan – to identify, manage, control requirements
Change Management Plan – to identify, manage and control changes. This includes procedures, form and approvals required to request and approve change. Change Control Board is sometimes formed that handles review and approval of changes to baseline and plan. The tools and software used to track and control changes are also clearly identified in the plan.
Configuration management plan – to control and manage configurations. Tools, procedures, forms and required documentation are included in the plan.
Process Improvement Plan – How processes will be improved during the project. This will include review process for potential improvements, frequency of reviews etc.
PM Plan also includes Baselines for measurement.
- Schedule Baseline
- Cost Performance Baseline
- Scope Baseline
Planning is iterative process. Once PM Plan is completed, it will be reviewed by Sponsor, Stakeholders, team and signed off. Kick Off meeting will be called to formally announce completion of planning and start of project execution.
