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Abstract
Successful organizations incorporate project planning and best practices into their business models. Such organizations use project planning and best practices to ensure they are being the most efficient, effective, and sustainable they can be. The Project Planning and Best Practices study documents the project planning process; defines the key elements of the usual project plan and risks associated with not addressing each element appropriately; and offers some industry best practices to mitigate those risks. The high tempo of most contemporary, professional projects engenders a demanding environment that allows little margin for failure to mitigate these risks. The study's methodology included major books, an on-line article, and a personal interview on project management, project planning, and industry best practices as well as the authors' own professional experiences at NASA, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Computer Sciences Corporation. It referenced internationally accepted resources and practices that are readily available to aspiring project managers. Further, it examined risks of not addressing the planning process and not implementing best practices within an organization. The study determined that virtually every step in professional project management includes project planning, and that the key elements of a project plan include project requirements; project management; project schedules; facility requirements; logistic support; financial support; and manpower and organization. Failure to effectively address each of these elements invites risk that can lead to project failure. After studying this paper, the reader should have a clear understanding of how to properly plan a project and use best practices.
Keywords: Project Planning, Best Practices, Project Management, Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), Project Management Institute (PMI)
Introduction
The objective of this study is to document the project planning process and best practices. The background includes the following elements. This topic was selected for its high potential to assist the reader with project selection and key elements of project management to achieve greater levels of organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. The most effective project work is disciplined and aligned with corporate strategy. The study's scope includes the key elements of the usual project plan, risks associated with not addressing each appropriately, and different styles of best practices. The research was limited by the time available leading up to the due date. The methodology...