The purpose of Project Planning (Detail Level) is to define the exact parameters of a project and ensure that all the pre-requisites for Project Execution and Control are in place.
Project Planning (Detail Level) builds upon the work performed during Project Planning (High Level). The project definition and scope are validated with appropriate Stakeholders, starting with the Project Sponsor and/or Project Director, and Customer Decision-Makers. The Triple Constraints – Project Scope, Budget, and Schedule – are refined and confirmed, and risk assessment activities advance to the mitigation stage. The Project Planning (High Level) deliverables – the components of the Project Initiation Plan are further developed, enhanced, and refined until they form a definitive plan for the rest of the project.
Additional Project Team members are brought on board and familiarized with the project objectives and environment.
Project sponsorship and commitment are re-confirmed at the end of Project Planning (Detail Level), with approval signifying authorization to proceed and commit funds for Project Execution and Control.
Project Planning (Detail Level) is an opportunity to identify and resolve any remaining issues and answer outstanding questions that may undermine the goals of the project or threaten its success. It is an opportunity to plan and prepare, as opposed to react and catch up.