Module 4

Planning & Control

In this module you will learn how planning and control give delivery structure, visibility and predictability.

Estimated study time: about 50 minutes. Suggested week: 4.

4.1 Planning frameworks

Planning frameworks give a reliable view of what is coming. Three tools are central.

• RAID management: keeping a log of Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies, each with an owner and an action.
• Forecasting: using progress and trends to predict end dates and costs, rather than repeating the original plan.
• Dependency management: mapping where one team's work relies on another's, and reviewing those links regularly.

Most late surprises come from unmanaged dependencies and assumptions that were never checked.

4.2 Control mechanisms

Control keeps delivery on track using measures that people trust.

• KPIs (key performance indicators) measure performance, for example the share of milestones met on time.
• SLAs (service level agreements) set agreed standards for a service, for example that monthly reports are issued by a set working day.
• Dashboards present a few measures clearly, each with an owner and an audience.

Choose fewer measures and review them predictably. A long list of numbers hides what matters.

4.3 Change and configuration management

Change management controls how changes to scope, time or cost are requested, assessed and approved. Configuration management keeps track of the current versions and baselines of key plans and documents, so everyone works from the same one.

Together they keep delivery predictable across programmes and portfolios. The CPMO case study in Module 9 shows this in practice.

Key points

• RAID logs, forecasting and dependency management give a reliable view ahead.
• KPIs, SLAs and dashboards keep delivery on track.
• Change and configuration management keep everyone working from the same plan.

Activity: Dashboard

Sketch a delivery control dashboard.

• Choose five measures. Include at least one KPI and one SLA.
• For each, say who owns it and who reads it.
• Say how often it is updated, and what decision it should support.

Write your answer in your own notes or learning journal. Use the ideas in this module to check your thinking.