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Planning and features of good planning

Short answer

Planning is deciding in advance what, how, when, who, and resources to achieve objectives. Good planning is objective-oriented, forward-looking, systematic, realistic, flexible, clear, comprehensive, participative, measurable, and continuous.

Define the term planning and explain the features of good project planning.

Planning

Planning is the process of deciding in advance what to do, how to do it, when to do it, who will do it and with what resources, so as to achieve the project objectives in the best possible way. It bridges the gap between where the project is now and where it wants to be.

Features of good project planning

  1. Objective-oriented - every part of the plan serves the stated project objectives.
  2. Forward looking - it deals with the future and forecasts conditions such as prices, weather and funds.
  3. Systematic and logical - it follows a clear sequence from scope to WBS, schedule and budget.
  4. Realistic and practical - durations, costs and resources are based on facts, past data and productivity norms.
  5. Flexible - it can be revised when conditions change.
  6. Clear and simple - it is easy for the whole project team to understand.
  7. Comprehensive and integrated - it covers time, cost, quality, resources and risk together.
  8. Participative - managers, engineers, contractors and users give inputs.
  9. Measurable - it has milestones, targets and indicators so that progress can be checked.
  10. Continuous - it is reviewed and updated throughout the project life.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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