ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the balance that is needed both in the development of a project accountability structure and in the development of project specifications. It considers the project planning aspects in turn and discusses some of the key relationships that exist between them. Developing project specifications lies at the heart of project planning. Plans and specifications are an integral part of the solicitations for bids, requests for proposals, and other competitive solicitation documents for public projects that are issued by public agencies; and they become an integral part of the contracts signed to undertake the project work. Once the project manager has developed clear project specifications and effective internal control procedures, the project planning process is almost complete. The major planning tasks that remain include developing the project schedule and refining cost and risk estimates. Key practices in intermediate project planning: Establish a clear and effective project accountability structure and project plans and specifications.
