Milestones in Project Planning - Revision history

RikkeK: /* Introduction */

2019-03-04T15:44:04Z

Introduction

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	Depending on the size of the project will some of these processes be linked tightly.		Depending on the size of the project will some of these processes be linked tightly.

	There are different scheduling methods, it is the project management team job to determine which method to use, the two most common are critical path or an agile approach. When the project management team has conducted the project-specific data into the six processes, it is possible to create the project schedule by entering the data into a scheduling tool, this is illustrated in figure 1.		There are different scheduling methods, it is the project management team job to determine which method to use, the two most common are critical path or an agile approach. This article will primarily focus on milestone planning and briefly introduce the agile approach to Rolling Wave planning. When the project management team has conducted the project-specific data into the six processes, it is possible to create the project schedule by entering the data into a scheduling tool, this is illustrated in figure 1.
	When a project schedule has been created it should be presented graphically. Often this is done by an Activity list, a Bar/Gantt Chart or a Network Diagram.		When a project schedule has been created it should be presented graphically. Often this is done by an Activity list, a Bar/Gantt Chart or a Network Diagram.

RikkeK: /* Abstract */

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Abstract

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	==Abstract==		==Abstract==

	A good and balanced project plan is a crucial success factor for a project, as insufficient resource planning and unrealistic schedules count for 30 % of the reason when looking at why projects fail <ref>The Standish Group International, Inc. (2015). CHAOS REPORT 2015. [online] Available at: https://www.standishgroup.com/sample_research_files/CHAOSReport2015-Final.pdf [Accessed 1 Mar. 2019].</ref>. There is a wide range of different approaches and tools used for project planning. This article clarifies milestone planning and how to use it in project management.		A good and balanced project plan is a crucial success factor for a project, as insufficient resource planning and unrealistic schedules count for 30 % of the reason when looking at why projects fail.<ref>The Standish Group International, Inc. (2015). CHAOS REPORT 2015. [online] Available at: https://www.standishgroup.com/sample_research_files/CHAOSReport2015-Final.pdf [Accessed 1 Mar. 2019].</ref> There is a wide range of different approaches and tools used for project planning. This article clarifies milestone planning and how to use it in project management.

	According to Managing Successful projects with PRINCE2 is a milestone defined as "an event on a schedule which marks the completion of key activities" <ref name="PRINCE2">The Standard for Project Management, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, The Stationery Office Ltd, 6th Edition - 2017 \| Chapter 9 </ref>. Milestones are a tool used in project management to mark the completion of a major phase in a project. Milestone planning is results-oriented and a milestone should present what is supposed to be achieved at a given time in the project. Milestones may influence the way activities in a project are sequenced. Milestones are targets in the project phase, it does not have a duration, but they need to be completed at before a given date. A milestone list for a project is used to estimate activities duration as well as develop the project schedule <ref name="PMBOK">A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Project Management Institute, 6th Edition - 2017 \| Chapter 6</ref>.		According to Managing Successful projects with PRINCE2 is a milestone defined as "an event on a schedule which marks the completion of key activities".<ref name="PRINCE2">The Standard for Project Management, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2, The Stationery Office Ltd, 6th Edition - 2017 \| Chapter 9 </ref> Milestones are a tool used in project management to mark the completion of a major phase in a project. Milestone planning is results-oriented and a milestone should present what is supposed to be achieved at a given time in the project. Milestones may influence the way activities in a project are sequenced. Milestones are targets in the project phase, it does not have a duration, but they need to be completed at before a given date. A milestone list for a project is used to estimate activities duration as well as develop the project schedule.<ref name="PMBOK">A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Project Management Institute, 6th Edition - 2017 \| Chapter 6</ref>

	This article will contain two main parts, one with a focus on how to set milestones and a second with a focus on how to implement milestones in the project schedule.		This article will contain two main parts, one with a focus on how to set milestones and a second with a focus on how to implement milestones in the project schedule.

RikkeK: /* Milestone planning */

2019-03-04T15:41:22Z

Milestone planning

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	Milestone planning is a way of planning a project on a basis of milestones. A milestone is defined as "an event on a schedule which marks the completion of key activities."<ref name="PRINCE2" /> Milestones are described as a desired condition or state in the project at a certain point in the timeline of the project.		Milestone planning is a way of planning a project on a basis of milestones. A milestone is defined as "an event on a schedule which marks the completion of key activities."<ref name="PRINCE2" /> Milestones are described as a desired condition or state in the project at a certain point in the timeline of the project.
	As milestones can be understood by non-experts, is it a good and easy way to keep stakeholders updated and satisfied. As stakeholders can see how the project is developing as more and more milestones are reached <ref name="PMI"> Andersen, E. S. (2006). Milestone planning—a different planning approach. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2006—Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. </ref>		As milestones can be understood by non-experts, is it a good and easy way to keep stakeholders updated and satisfied. As stakeholders can see how the project is developing as more and more milestones are reached. <ref name="PMI"> Andersen, E. S. (2006). Milestone planning—a different planning approach. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2006—Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. </ref>
	The milestone planning approach differs from traditional project planning, as the focus is on achieving the set goals, instead of executing activities and tasks. When a project is planned from milestones the road to the desired state is not planned. Therefore will it be possible to achieve the state for a milestone in a variety of ways.		The milestone planning approach differs from traditional project planning, as the focus is on achieving the set goals, instead of executing activities and tasks. When a project is planned from milestones the road to the desired state is not planned. Therefore will it be possible to achieve the state for a milestone in a variety of ways.

RikkeK: /* Milestone planning */

2019-03-04T15:41:04Z

Milestone planning

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	Milestone planning is a way of planning a project on a basis of milestones. A milestone is defined as "an event on a schedule which marks the completion of key activities."<ref name="PRINCE2" /> Milestones are described as a desired condition or state in the project at a certain point in the timeline of the project.		Milestone planning is a way of planning a project on a basis of milestones. A milestone is defined as "an event on a schedule which marks the completion of key activities."<ref name="PRINCE2" /> Milestones are described as a desired condition or state in the project at a certain point in the timeline of the project.
	As milestones can be understood by non-experts, is it a good and easy way to keep stakeholders updated and satisfied. As stakeholders can see how the project is developing as more and more milestones are reached <ref name="PMI"> Andersen, E. S. (2006). Milestone planning—a different planning approach. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2006—Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. </ref>.		As milestones can be understood by non-experts, is it a good and easy way to keep stakeholders updated and satisfied. As stakeholders can see how the project is developing as more and more milestones are reached <ref name="PMI"> Andersen, E. S. (2006). Milestone planning—a different planning approach. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2006—Asia Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute. </ref>
	The milestone planning approach differs from traditional project planning, as the focus is on achieving the set goals, instead of executing activities and tasks. When a project is planned from milestones the road to the desired state is not planned. Therefore will it be possible to achieve the state for a milestone in a variety of ways.		The milestone planning approach differs from traditional project planning, as the focus is on achieving the set goals, instead of executing activities and tasks. When a project is planned from milestones the road to the desired state is not planned. Therefore will it be possible to achieve the state for a milestone in a variety of ways.

	When using milestone planning, the mentality of the project team needs to switch from activity-oriented thinking and planning to result-oriented thinking and planning. This is done by answering the question "what should be achieved?" before "how should it be achieved?". The desired results the project management team would like to achieve should be discussed and determined, from this, a milestone plan should be created. A milestone plan should consist of both the desired end result as well as interminate results and indicators.		When using milestone planning, the mentality of the project team needs to switch from activity-oriented thinking and planning to result-oriented thinking and planning. This is done by answering the question "what should be achieved?" before "how should it be achieved?". The desired results the project management team would like to achieve should be discussed and determined, from this, a milestone plan should be created. A milestone plan should consist of both the desired end result as well as interminate results and indicators.

	Milestones can early in the project's timeline give an indication of issues associated with the project schedule. In an ongoing project, the milestone and activity plan should give the project manager a better overview of activities which will be critical to the timeline <ref name="PRINCE2"/>. Milestone is an easy way for a project manager to assure project stakeholders that the project is proceeding as planned.		Milestones can early in the project's timeline give an indication of issues associated with the project schedule. In an ongoing project, the milestone and activity plan should give the project manager a better overview of activities which will be critical to the timeline.<ref name="PRINCE2"/> Milestone is an easy way for a project manager to assure project stakeholders that the project is proceeding as planned.

	===Milestones in project stages===		===Milestones in project stages===

RikkeK: /* Milestones in project stages */

2019-03-04T15:40:09Z

Milestones in project stages

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	===Milestones in project stages===		===Milestones in project stages===
	The milestones have to be decided early in the project stage. The following list contains the phases of project management were milestones figure in. <ref name="PRINCE2" />		The milestones have to be decided early in the project stage. The following list contains the phases of project management were milestones figure in. <ref name="PRINCE2" />
	# Starting up a project - Prepare the outline business case.		# Starting up a project
	#: Project manager determines the key milestones.		#* Prepare the outline business case - Project manager determines the key milestones.
	# Directing a project		# Directing a project
	#* Authorize initiation - The project definition is confirmed by the project board. This should include the confirmation of key milestones.		#* Authorize initiation - The project definition is confirmed by the project board. This should include the confirmation of key milestones.
	#* Authorize the project - The project plan is validated and the achievability of the project plan and milestones should be approved.		#* Authorize the project - The project plan is validated and the achievability of the project plan and milestones should be approved.
	# Initiating a project - Create the project plan		# Initiating a project
	#: The project is reviewed, the deliverables and predetermined milestones are checked, they should match the project brief.		#* Create the project plan - The project is reviewed, the deliverables and predetermined milestones are checked, they should match the project brief.
	# Controlling a stage - Authorize a work package		# Controlling a stage
	#: The work there has to be done during the project is set into packages. For each package is the milestones, their tolerances, effort, cost, and end date defined.		#* Authorize a work package - The work there has to be done during the project is set into packages. For each package is the milestones, their tolerances, effort, cost, and end date defined.

	==Defining and setting milestones==		==Defining and setting milestones==

RikkeK: /* Breif example of a milestone schedule */

2019-03-04T15:35:59Z

Breif example of a milestone schedule

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	===Breif example of a milestone schedule===		===Breif example of a milestone schedule===
	There are multiple ways of displaying a milestone list, it could be as a list or as a Gantt Chart, an example of this is displayed in figure 3.<ref name="PMBOK" />		There are multiple ways of displaying a milestone list, it could be as a list or as a Gantt Chart, an example of this is displayed in figure 3.<ref name="PMBOK" />
	The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with diamonds, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.		The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with diamonds, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities as work package 1 - 3 are finished. Likewise, marketing will not be able to advertise for the product before a prototype is ready, and the production is ready to produce the demand. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.

	There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />		There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />

RikkeK: /* Breif example of a milestone schedule */

2019-03-04T15:33:48Z

Breif example of a milestone schedule

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	===Breif example of a milestone schedule===		===Breif example of a milestone schedule===
	There are multiple ways of displaying a milestone list, it could be as a list or as a Gantt Chart, an example of this is displayed in figure 3.<ref name="PMBOK" />		There are multiple ways of displaying a milestone list, it could be as a list or as a Gantt Chart, an example of this is displayed in figure 3.<ref name="PMBOK" />
	The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with ~~a square~~, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.		The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with diamonds, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.

	There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />		There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />

RikkeK at 15:32, 4 March 2019

2019-03-04T15:32:33Z

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	There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />		There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />

			==Discussion==
			Milestone planning has proven to have numerous advantages, first and foremost can it be used of project managers to plan a project, where they do not have a clear idea of which activities the project embodies, yet. It is a tool which makes it possible to start the planning from desired results and wait with actual activity planning until more information on the needed activities occurs. Secondly, milestones are an easy way of keeping track of the timeline for a project, but also an easy way to show stakeholders progress in the project and keep them satisfied.

			However, not everybody agrees on its excellence, milestone planning does have some limitations. Milestones should be introduced early in project planning and should be monitored and updated all the way through the project. Not to know which activities are needed to complete the milestones are a huge limitation, as the project manager can end up with an overambitious schedule, due to erroneous estimation. Another thing to make sure of is the whole project. During a project, it is still important to focus on the whole project and the final milestone and not get obsessed with intermediate milestones. Even though milestones incorporated it is the final product or delivery that counts.

	==Annotated bibliography==		==Annotated bibliography==

RikkeK: /* Breif example of a milestone schedule */

2019-03-04T14:55:04Z

Breif example of a milestone schedule

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	The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with a square, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.		The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with a square, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.

	There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project.		There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. Software that supports milestone planning differs from software for traditional network planning. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project. <ref name="PMI" />

	==Annotated bibliography==		==Annotated bibliography==

RikkeK: /* Defining and setting milestones */

2019-03-04T12:29:06Z

Defining and setting milestones

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	There are multiple ways of displaying a milestone list, it could be as a list or as a Gantt Chart, an example of this is displayed in figure 3.<ref name="PMBOK" />		There are multiple ways of displaying a milestone list, it could be as a list or as a Gantt Chart, an example of this is displayed in figure 3.<ref name="PMBOK" />
	The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with a square, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.		The milestone schedule in figure 3, shows one key milestone "Completion of Product Z". The milestone has intermediate milestones, it is not possible to complete milestone 1.1.3 MF before de previous milestones are reached. The milestone dates are displayed with a square, symbolizing the date of the given milestone. The summary schedule displays the work packages which needs to be developed and the time it takes. The development and delivery of "New Product Z" cannot be finished before the subactivities work package 1 - 3 are finished. As opposed to the milestone schedule does the summary schedule includes the expected calendar units spent on the activities. During the project should the milestone list be kept updated and milestones which are achieved should be ticked off.

			There has been developed a wide range of IT systems to support project planning, all to them have different advantages and limitations, some support milestone planning while others do not. It is up to the project manager to choose the right system, that underpins necessary for the given project.

	==Annotated bibliography==		==Annotated bibliography==