What’s inside
- Overview, background and objectives
- In scope, out of scope and assumptions
- Deliverables and milestones tables
- Team roles with R, A, C and I
- Budget, risks, communication plan and approval
How to use it
- Fill it in with the project team, not alone.
- Keep each section short and specific.
- Get sign-off before work begins.
- Update it whenever scope, dates or budget change.
FAQ
How is a project plan different from a Gantt chart?
The plan explains what, why, who and how much; the Gantt chart shows when. Use both for anything beyond a few weeks.
What does R, A, C, I mean?
Responsible does the work, Accountable owns the result, Consulted gives input and Informed is kept up to date.
What is the most common reason project plans fail?
An unclear scope. Writing down what is out of scope is often more useful than listing what is in it.
