Simple Project Plan Template Example

If you want to know what is needed in a project plan template to push your project plan through to implementation stage then read on. This is often an overlooked area of producing a project plan template. There is no point implementing a project plan template if the project has no chance of success in the first place. You are likely to experience all types of people in agreeing scope for a project plan so careful planning can mean the difference between success or failure. I believe there are 7 key areas to a feasibility study which are the project plan design, tax, legal, communications, technology and process and administration .

Invariably doing a project plan template can impact upon staff so it is crucial to review existing benefits, entitlements and terms and conditions for staff. Review treatment of existing employees, unpaid leave, maternity, paternity, long term sick leave and death benefits. Look at the funding for your project plan and ensure it is feasible that it can be completed on the budget given. Analyse areas of potential financial efficiencies in the structure of benefits including staff cost improvements. 

Never forget the tax man and see if your project plan template will affect employee National Insurance contributions or even require a payslip change. Consider making an approach to the HMRC to give notification of a change in tax etc.

If you are doing a project plan around PC leasing or childcare then consider the tax saving opportunities this will provide.

To kick off it is vital that you and the project team you have assembled agree scope in other words you are all singing from the same hymn sheet! Every member of the project team needs to agree their role and responsibility which can be done through a terms of reference. Agree business and HR objectives with emphasis placed on key messages and measures of success. Get the team to have a vision of what success will look like to them. Don’t just look at what success will look like but also consider what potential risks there are that could cause your downfall. Obviously one of the most important tasks to consider of a project plan template is to agree a launch date and stick to it. Make sure everyone involved from team members to I.T agrees this date.

I find it best to set up weekly conference calls with the key stakeholders of the project to see how everything is going.  It is good to set up monthly meetings to get updates on good news and of course areas that need a bit of extra help.  

Always consider the legal implications of any project plans otherwise someone or something could comeback to haunt you. Employment law is a huge area so talk to your company’s solicitors or advisors and ensure any contract changes and the implications are taken care of.

Communications is, in my opinion, the most important area of any project plan as it identifies the different stakeholders whose approval are needed and any potential barriers to change. It is therefore crucial that a detailed stakeholder analysis is completed and that existing communication channels are reviewed. If you need to get people ‘on board’ then consider alternative communication methods and materials that are required.

 Finally for the communications part of the project plan:

• Disuss branding
• Discuss Training requirements
• Develop a communication plan
• Facilitate any employee feedback

Technology plays a key role in any organisation from 5 employees to fifty five thousand employees and often if you can get I.T on your side then the project is destined to be a success. Identify the resources required and the timetable to implement any changes and how I.T technology can benefit your management project plan.

As well as the project management team you could need staff to complete any process and administration tasks. Always consider the in house versus the outsourced option depending on how large a scale your project plan is on – either can be viable option. During this process and administration project plan template review then it is beneficial to do a cost/benefit analysis for alternative administration solutions.

Once your project plan template is complete with its feasibility study then wait for the draft, submission, consideration period then hopefully approval for your project plan.