Step 7. Make an action plan
Make an action plan and implement it
Prepare an action plan to ensure you achieve your project's goal and objectives. An action plan identifies who has to do what by when, and what resources will be needed. An action plan is designed to keep you and others in your project on track.
How?
- Your plan should cover `Who, what, when, where and how?'
- Identify your resource requirements: the people, budget and time you will need to make your project happen.
- Prepare a schedule that identifies the milestones (key tasks) for the project.
- Identify the specific tasks and their components, who is to make each task happen and, against each task, an expected date for completion.
- Allocate funds against each part of your project that needs to be budgeted for.
- Revisit the action plan throughout your project. As you get into the project you may find your timeframe has been unrealistic and that you need to revise your action plan to take account of new information.
Tips
- Use your key milestones and work backwards to prepare a timeframe for each.
- Allow plenty of time for consultation, approvals and funding arrangements.
- Monitor your action plan regularly.
- Some people find it easier to use commercially prepared schedules, such as Gantt charts and project management software, for managing the timing of large complicated projects.
- As you gather more information about your target group you may need to add or delete tasks on your action plan. This is not a fault in your project design but an indication that you are continuously improving your project by 'reflecting, reviewing and revising'.
Questions you can ask
- What specific actions are needed to achieve the project's objectives? What are the key tasks?
- What's the timeframe for the project? What are the milestones?
- What resources, other than dollars, are required (e.g. people and time)?
- Who's responsible for doing each task?
- Have we identified monitoring and evaluation steps in our action plan?
- How will we market the project to the broader community? Is there value in launching the project?
- How will we keep the broader community informed?
Case Study: Shoalhaven Business
Make an action plan—and implement it
The action plan was as follows:
- Project plan and budget approved (Nov-Dec) [Project coordinator]
- Steering Committee established (Jan) [Project coordinator, council officer and Chamber rep.]
- Launch (Feb) [Project coordinator and council officer]
- Survey (Feb) [Independent adviser]
- Visit several premises to identify areas of concern and develop an 'environmental review process' (Feb-April) [Council officer]
- Develop and distribute monthly newsletters (ongoing)
- Liaise with industry associations (ongoing) [Project coordinator]
- Publicise positive actions in local and industry press (Feb-May) [Project coordinator]
- Hold seminar/workshop for interested owners and operators (May) [Steering committee]
- Interview participants to obtain feedback on the project's strengths and weaknesses (June) [Independent adviser]
- Prepare report summarising the outcomes and possible future directions (on completion of project) [Project coordinator].
Page last updated: 22 February 2008