Each Minute of Planning Saves
One Hour of Crisis.
Parts of Planning a Project
Defining the Project (D)
Planning the Project (including controls) (P)
Implementing the Plan (doing the project)* (I)
Using Controls (checks and tests)* (C)
Completing the Project (tying up lose ends)
*These two are done at the same time
Project Definition
A complete written definition of the project is essential. It
should include:
Start and End Dates
List Team Members
What you will have when you are finished
It may also include the reason for the project
Steps in Planning the Project
Decide which driving factor is most important: Time, Money,
Quality
Do a Task Analysis and Work Breakdown Structure (Instructions
on a later slide)
Decide which organizational tools best suit your project and
complete them (See the Organizational Tools PowerPoint)
Decide on Controls for your project
Project Planning in More Detail
Time, Money, Quality—one is most important and will
effect decisions you make during the project. So decide this
first.
Do you have a budget?
When is it due? Does it have a time sensitive deadline?
Does it need to be professional in appearance?
Task Analysis
Make a list of all the steps involved in completing the project
If they must be completed in a certain order, or if something must
be done before one of the steps can be completed, make a note of
this.
Make a timeline of the steps in order to pace yourself and get the
project completed on time
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Take all the tasks and group them by category (or into
sub-categories)
Assign responsible person(s)—leader for each category
Can be done as a chart
Make sure EVERYONE has a copy
Controls
Controls are any means used to monitor and evaluate the
process of the doing the project as well as the finished
product
Checklists
Sound Checks (Video, etc.) and Other Tests
Meetings
Communication (emails, phone calls, etc.)
Demonstrations and Trial Runs
Verbal and Written Evaluations
Plan what controls you will use and when
Doing the Project
Once you have all your plans
Everyone knows what to do and when
Everyone knows all deadlines
Everyone is following all plans and controls
Everyone is communicating
Project goes much smoother
Use controls to stay on track and fore see
problems (solve them before they become
damaging)
Ending the Project
Make sure it has been edited and proofed, and re-edited, etc.
until it is the best
Do all the clean ups, wrap ups, and follow ups required.
All members should evaluate the project and any corrections
should be made before it is considered finished.
It should be given to the “client” and the “client” happy with it
Finished Projects
Always have the PRISM logo on them
Done on school time and/or lab
equipment
Shows it meets our PRISM standards
Always make an archival copy
If portfolios are required by your
teacher, enter the project in your
portfolio