Action Plans

There are two primary decision areas that pertain to projects: Accountability and Action Plans.

Action Plans

Action Plans are an organized series of steps designed to achieve an objective. Action plans look at project components in a present-future tense, each project management:
  • Process Group: Project Initiation through Project Closure
  • Knowledge Area: Project Communications Management through Project Time Management
Action Plans in the context of project lessons learned are classified in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:
  • Tactical Plans: work packages that define in detail work tasks to be completed, i.e., Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • Strategic Plans: high level reviews that address mission, vision and values of an organization
  • Contingency Plans: proactive just-in-case using "what if scenarios", i.e., risk management plans using risk registers to address non-disaster events, i.e., theft, loss of business, change in suppliers, etc. These occurrences can be anticipated or expected.
  • Business Continuity Plans: Policies and procedures put in place to address a disruption in service or operational functions
  • Disaster Recovery Plans: reactive solutions that are proposed or alternatives that are reviewed in the event a catastrophic event occurs. These plans are much more intense in nature and address Black Swan events (i.e., tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and fires). Disaster is not planned for, but rather happens.

To create an action plan:

  • Consult previous lessons learned.
  • Determine the required steps to meet your objective.
  • Create a priority list by ranking using a scale, i.e., 1-10.
  • Define resources (people, systems, equipment, facilities, and supplies).
  • Set schedule to include milestones.