What is Project Planning?
Project planning is the second phase of the project management lifecycle, following initiation and preceding execution. It is a structured process for defining a project’s goals, scope, timeline, resources, budget, and execution strategy. During this phase, the project manager creates a detailed project plan that outlines tasks, milestones, schedules, workflows, and responsibilities for all participants.
The purpose of project planning is to provide a clear roadmap from concept to completion. This includes anticipating potential challenges, preparing contingency plans, and ensuring all stakeholders understand the required resources and objectives. Effective planning prevents budget overruns, scope creep, and misalignment among team members.
By establishing a clear structure, project planning enhances collaboration, keeps the project on schedule, and secures stakeholder confidence. It transforms an approved idea into an actionable, organized plan that guides the team toward successful delivery.
