The implementation plan in project management is a vital document that helps team members and stakeholders to understand all aspects of a project before executing it. So, in this article, we’ll explain 6 steps for creating an implementation plan and its benefits.
Table of Contents
What Is Implementation Planning in Project Management?
In project management, implementation planning is a process that entails creating step-by-step instructions for completing projects. The main purpose of this process is to inform members of a project team of the concrete actions and individual tasks required to achieve the team’s strategic goals.
What Is an Implementation Plan?
An implementation plan is the output of this process. This plan is a written document outlining a team’s steps to accomplish a project’s goals. Having such a document enables stakeholders (primary and secondary stakeholders) to understand all aspects of a project before executing it.
Important💡 Implementation plans differ from one project to another, but here are some components you may find in common, including:
- Project objectives
- Scope statement
- Risks analysis
- Tools and resources lists
- Outline of deliverables
- Team roles and responsibilities
- Implementation schedule
- Implementation strategy
- Implementation plan metrics
So, let’s discuss 6 steps for creating an implementation plan.
Steps for Creating an Implantation Plan
Before writing your implementation plan, there are several things you’ll need, such as getting an official clearance from stakeholders and decision-makers for the project to be launched. However, you can follow the steps below to build your implementation plan.
Clearly Define Project Goals
Defining project goals is essential because it refers to what a project team will accomplish beyond the tangible deliverables or outcomes. So, think of it as what a project deliverable or outcome can enable for others.
Define Project Outcomes and Deliverables
Along with project goals, the project manager will need to define the project’s deliverables or outcomes. These are the expected results of each step you take to complete a project. On the other hand, you’ll need to define key performance indicators (KPIs) that will determine how your project is measured and monitored throughout the project life cycle.
Assess Potential Project Risks
Every project carries with it some risks that may directly or indirectly affect the outcome or deliverable. However, as a project manager, you’re responsible for knowing project risks before you launch the project and implement the steps to complete it. Project risks might include unforeseen delays or cost changes in the industry the project affects.
Set Project Tasks and Due Dates
As a project manager, you should work with your team members to determine the critical tasks and subtasks that must be completed for the project to come to fruition. Start by breaking the project goals, deliverables, and outcomes into actionable steps and listing them in the order in which they need to be completed. Then, you can determine the actual deadlines for each step.
Assign Each Team Member Roles and Responsibilities
After establishing the individual project tasks and deadlines, you can work with your team to assign each member roles and responsibilities. When assigning tasks, consider team members’ strengths and experience to select the appropriate person for completing project tasks.
Assemble Implementation Plan
In this step, the project manager should assemble all the components into a coherent document that includes the following:
- Project objectives
- Scope statement
- Risks analysis
- Tools and resources lists
- Outline of deliverables
- Team roles and responsibilities
- Implementation schedule
- Implementation strategy
- Implementation plan metrics
Pro tip💡 The implementation planning process can enable teams to understand all aspects of a project before executing it. As well as simplify communication among primary and secondary stakeholders, and offer transparency.
What Are the Benefits of Creating an Implementation Plan?
Creating an implementation plan will help project managers get an actionable roadmap for the whole project. As well as it helps hold team members and stakeholders accountable, offers transparency, and simplifies communication.
Conclusion
An implementation plan in project management is a written document outlining a team’s steps to accomplish a project’s goals. clearly defining project goals, defining project outcomes and deliverables, assessing potential project risks, setting project tasks and due dates, assigning each team member roles and responsibilities, and assembling the implementation plan are the steps for creating an implementation plan.
FAQ
Implementation Plan vs. Strategic plan
An implementation plan details the step-by-step actions you’ll take to complete a project, while a strategic plan details the strategies you will use to complete a project.
