What is a project management plan?

A project plan is a set of documents that outline how a project will be managed and completed. These documents will outline everything that needs to be completed, which team members are responsible for which tasks, any resources required, budgetary considerations, potential risks, deliverables, and more. This document is given to the client, as well as all involved team members, so that everyone can be on the same page with what’s happening at all times.

What is the purpose of a project management plan?

The purpose of a project management plan is to guide the execution of the project plan. It achieves this by setting out all the tasks and goals of the project to ensure that there’s a clear roadmap to follow to achieve the results the client is expecting from the project. It also helps outline potential risks and solutions to ensure that everything flows smoothly. Using a project management plan example is a great place to start to ensure you’ve got all the aspects covered.

What should be included in a project management plan?

A project management plan outlines everything required to complete a project. Depending on the specific type of project, you could require additional documents. However, any basic project management plan should include at least the following aspects: Project scope Project schedule Project budget and estimated cost Team members and responsibilities Communication information Risks management You can use a sample project management plan to ensure that you’re starting off with all of these required sections you need to cover. This will keep you from forgetting vital information.

Project Management Plan Template

Prepared for:

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]

(Herein referred to as “Project Manager”)

Created by:

[ProjectManager.FirstName][ProjectManager.LastName]

(Herein referred to as “Client”)

1. Planning Basis

1.1 Details of the Project

Find the details related to this project listed below:

Project Name: (Project.Name)

Company Name:[ProjectManager.Company]

Phone:[ProjectManager.Phone]

Email:[ProjectManager.Email]

Company Mailing Address:[ProjectManager.StreetAddress][ProjectManager.City][ProjectManager.State][ProjectManager.PostalCode]

Project Location: (Address.ProjectLocation)

Author:[ProjectManager.FirstName][ProjectManager.LastName]

Date: [Document.CreatedDate]

1.2 Scope

The scope of the project is as follows:

(Define the activities and tasks undertaken within the scope of the project)

1.3 Milestones

Key project milestones are set out in the following table:

Milestone	Description	Delivery Date

1.4 Phases

The major project phases undertaken in this project are as follows:

Phase	Description	Sequence

1.5 Tasks

These are the tasks that will be completed for each phase:

A ‘task’ is simply an item of work to be completed within the project. List all tasks required to undertake each activity within the following table:

Phase	Task	Sequence

1.6 Time/Effort

The expected time it will take to complete each task is as follows:

Task	Days

1.7 Resources

The resources required to complete each task are as follows:

Delivery date	Task	Services required	Goods required	Responsible team member
		(Mention any services required to complete the task)	(Mention any goods required to complete the task)
		(Mention any services required to complete the task)	(Mention any goods required to complete the task)

2. Project Plan

2.1 Schedule

Please see a summarized schedule for the project below:

Task	Duration	Completed by Date

Note: Refer to the Appendix for a detailed project schedule.

2.2 Project Team

The team members that will be involved in this process are listed below:

Name	Contact Email	Responsibility

These are the stakeholders involved in the project:

Name	Contact Email	Responsibility

2.3 Dependencies

We have identified the following key dependencies that apply to the project:

Activity	Depends on	Dependency type
	(What does it depend on)	(Type of dependency)
	(What does it depend on)	(Type of dependency)

2.4 Assumptions

It is assumed that: (Please select all that apply)

The project will not change in scope
The resources identified will be available upon request
The approved funding will be available upon request
Other, please specify:

2.5 Constraints

The following constraints will be applicable: (Please select any that apply)

The project must operate within the funding and resource allocations approved
The project team must deliver the software with no requirement for additional hardware
Staff must complete the project within regular working hours
Other, please specify:

3. Budget, Risks, and Change Management

3.1 Project Budget

Estimated cost

Name	Price	QTY	Subtotal
Item 1 Description of first item	$35.00	5	$175.00
Item 2 Description of second item	$55.00	1	$55.00
Item 3 Description of third item	$200.00	1	$200.00

3.2 Payment Terms and Conditions

A (specify percentage) deposit is required upon accepting this project.

The balance is required within (number) days of completing the project and the Project Manager sending an official invoice to the Client.

A (specify percentage) retaining fee will be applicable.

3.3 Risk Log

The following potential risks have been identified:

Risk	Impact	Response	Risk Level	Risk Owner

3.4 Change Management

Any change requests that are not currently included in the scope of this project, but are required to complete it, are logged here:

Date Identified	Change Request	Approval	Date started	Date Completed

4. Appendix

Find attached any other documents that are relevant to the Project Management Plan. (Mark which ones)

Detailed Project Schedule (listing all project phases, activities, and tasks)

Other documentation (Business Case, Feasibility Study, Project Charter)

Other relevant information or correspondence

Other, please specify:

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[ProjectManager.FirstName][ProjectManager.LastName]

[Client.FirstName][Client.LastName]

Subtotal	$230.00
Discount	-$115.00
Tax	$23.00
Total	$138.00

Project Management Plan Template

1. Planning Basis

1.1 Details of the Project

1.2 Scope

1.3 Milestones

1.4 Phases

1.5 Tasks

1.6 Time/Effort

1.7 Resources

2. Project Plan

2.1 Schedule

2.2 Project Team

2.3 Dependencies

2.4 Assumptions

2.5 Constraints

3. Budget, Risks, and Change Management

3.1 Project Budget

3.2 Payment Terms and Conditions

3.3 Risk Log

3.4 Change Management

4. Appendix

Project Management Plan Template

Useful resources