Last updated: 12 February 2015

Project Management Plan

All feasibility studies must have a project management plan (PMP) that represents an agreement by all parties on the scope of work for the study, and how to conduct the feasibility study. The PMP guides the development and delivery of an entire project, often using a phased approach.

Is there anything unique about a PMP developed in a SMART Planning context?

• The PMP for a SMART feasibility study recognizes that in the early days of a study, there will be a high level of uncertainty associated with the tasks (budget and timeline) of later phases of the project. It is explicitly stated and recognized that that detail will be – and must be – added later.
• Therefore, the PMP for a SMART feasibility study is a living document, adding detail to the tasks necessary to complete the study as new information is available and decisions are made.

To develop the PMP, the PDT may use tools such as the Decision Management Plan – or a series of DMPs – developed for the major planning decisions to assist in detailing the scope and tasks associated with the study. The DMP will provide detailed information on the tasks necessary to make the next decision. If the PDT has outlined DMPs through the end of the study, these decision-oriented tasks will form the framework for the PMP.

As planning decisions are made, the PDT will continue to update and provide additional detail on subsequent DMP(s) for future decisions. These updates and changes should trigger updates to the PMP as well, reflecting the tasks necessary to reach the next decision and the additional information gained since the study’s previous major planning decision.

Resources

• PMP Template for SMART planning studies, February 2015
• PMP Cost Summary Work Sheet, updated November 2012 to include a work sheet for reviews to be conducted during the course of the study.
• Example Review Plan, developed by Seattle Harbor feasibility study, March 2015
• Presentation on Project Management Plans from “Civil Works Orientation,” Planning Core Curriculum (PCC1)
• Planning Guidance Notebook (ER 1105-2-100 “Guidance for Conducting Civil Works Planning Studies”)
• Water Resource Policies and Authorities: Civil Works Review (EC 1165-2-214), 15 December 2012