ABSTRACT
Planning and execution sit at the heart of a successful project. Execution consists of putting the plans into action and the subsequent tracking and reporting upon their achievement or otherwise. Comprehensive planning, proactive action taking, effective tracking and meaningful reporting will be a key determinant in the success or failure of a project. The world of project planning is very different. The activity being planned is a one-off with a potentially uncertain outcome and the brigading together of a temporary workforce. Business planning by contrast is more focused on incremental adjustments to existing arrangements, potentially by redeploying existing resources, against a timeframe that may well be set by the annual cycle of organisational activity. The business may need coaching and occasionally training in project management techniques. To bring together the differing perspectives of business and projects with regard to planning and execution, a range of techniques and areas merit attention.
