In the defining strategy stage, you initiated the project by selecting the right project to work on and identifying a core project implementation team. The next step is to develop a work plan, by defining the project activities, schedule, and budget.
The plan is a template for the project, helping to guide the work from start to finish. It details the work that will be done while, at the same time, serving as a tool for communicating with stakeholders. Work plans typically consist of three main components: the task list; the schedule; and the budget.
The work plan allows conservation practitioners to break the project down into manageable tasks that can be assigned, scheduled, tracked, and organized. The work plan consists of tasks-or cohesive units of work on a project-bundled into hierarchies and milestones. Milestones divide the project into logical, measurable segments, such that when all the milestones are completed, the project is should be done. Upon completion of the task list, the project schedule and budget can be prepared. Criteria for measuring the quality and completion of tasks should be built into the task list and the project plan.
Scheduling involves estimating the task durations for the project and plotting the dates on a calendar. No schedule is perfect, but the goal is to make the best estimate possible by using good judgment and lessons learned from experience. Building a project schedule helps verify the project's viability and identify missing tasks. Accurate, realistic and workable scheduling, adapted to the local situation, leads to greater probability of project success.
With the task list and project schedule in hand, a reliable budget can be established to predict expenses for the project. These three components-along with the project goal and objectives defined in the defining strategy stage-form the backbone of the project work plan.
An important aspect of project planning is getting the key players and stakeholders involved in the project planning process. While this can be time-consuming and sometimes contentious, the potential benefits include: - Creating shared responsibilities for planning the project
- Enhancing understanding about the nature of the project and the work required
- Identifying potential conflicts and inconsistencies early in the project cycle, so that they can be dealt with effectively before impacting the project outcome.
- Verifying and clarifying the project team's and stakeholders' understanding of the project scope and goals.
The following resources will help conservation practitioners more effectively manage the process of developing solid work plans.
Would you like more information about how to develop effective work plans?
Plan to Succeed: A Systematic Approach to Designing and Using Program Strategies
By David Gambill, 2003
This document outlines a systematic method to help design successful program strategies. It covers the process of defining the strategy's goals and vision, objectives and activities and work plans. Project implementation, monitoring, analysis and adjustments are also covered.
English (17 pages, PDF)
Responding to Reproductive Health Needs: Participatory Approaches for Analysis and Action
By Denise Caudill, 2001, World Neighbors
This guide outlines two workshops held in Nepal in 1997-1998 to help staff of non-profit organizations understand health from a gender sensitive point of view, analyze current reproductive health activities, use participatory tools (includes 15 exercises), and develop realistic action plans.
English (56 pages, PDF, 2.95 MB)
Français (58 pages, PDF, 613 KB)
Español (60 páginas, PDF, 1.97 MB)
Environmental Education in the Schools: Creating a Program that Works!
By Judy A. Braus and David Wood, 1993, U.S. Peace Corps
This document deals with the different aspects of developing and implementing an environmental education program. It covers the planning process of identifying local environmental problems and understanding the realities of the local school system. It helps practitioners identify goals and objectives for environmental education activities and curriculum and to develop formal and informal techniques to evaluate success. Practitioners learn to incorporate innovative teaching strategies into their programs, such as creative and critical thinking skills, hands-on discovery, cooperative learning, and high level questioning. Sample environmental education activities are also included.
English (333 pages, PDF, 8.60 MB)
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