P5.12 Document project plan

Guidance

The project plan is the principal document for managing and controlling the project. It details the customer's need and the background and history of the project. It defines the current baseline position, the desired end point status and the method for getting there. It provides the integration and coordination of all the individual elements and places all the subordinate management plans into context. The plan details tasks and assigns responsibilities and accountabilities. It is developed in consultation and collaboration with the project stakeholders and could be considered to represent a 'contract' between the project manager and the project stakeholders.

Development of the project plan is a continuous activity that develops the preliminary plan into a comprehensive management and control tool. The plan is continuously updated as information becomes available and uncertainty lessens. This task does not finish until the end of the development phase. Even then, the plan is still a living document. Its attachments require regular monitoring and updating as a control mechanism during project implementation.

Detailed guidance can be found in the project plan template and in the guidance text in the tools and techniques section.

Responsibility

The project manager is responsible for this task.