One of common incorrect concept in project and business arena that, plan is enough to achieve the objective! Well, this concept is deceiving! Generally, not any plan assists to achieve the project "or business" objective. In fact, some plans are leading directly "or indirectly" to project failure. Only the appropriate plan will do!
The "appropriate plan" is a term I often use with my clients when their abilities (resource, time, budget...etc) are not enough to meet their project objectives. Therefore, a change should be made at this point of planning. This change could be on the project objectives itself, or the clients' abilities.
"The "Appropriate Plan" is a term I often use with my clients when their abilities are not enough to meet their project objectives"
The Fish Bowl
The reason I used the description "clients' abilities" instead of "project resourcing" is that the core meaning of appropriate plan revolve on matching project objectives and clients' types. Sometimes, clients will have great ideas of project "or business", but they can't afford them. That's why banks, investors, and fundraising entity are there for.
However, involving a third parties in your project or business should be done in previous stage, not in planning phase. Why? because their involvement could change the core value of your project, or even worse like taking over the whole project.
Another need for appropriate plan is the competitors. Doing a project or business by poor plan will lead to failure. Yet, the act itself (entering the market) will brings attention to the idea if it's unique, whether by a competitor, threatened company, or smart entrepreneur.
Why do we need Smart Planning?
The concept behind the appropriate plan is oversee the project opportunities and threats by smart planning. That's involved with all project business elements such as, objectives, strategies, resourcing, marketing, advertising, networking, selling, borrowing...etc.
Let's use an example to clarify that. If you planning for direct objective, there's a possibility you will choose the direct strategy to achieve that. However, if that strategy is over its budget, that's mean choosing this strategy will affect the whole project financially.
By applying smart planning, there will be a several option:
1- Re-thinking of the strategy in terms of reduce, or divide into several stages; or
2- Shift the impact on the lowest elements of the project; or
3- Save budget by combined two other elements of the project.
Now, by ensuring which option is the more suitable to the project circumstances, that will be a progress in the appropriate plan. Yet, the process of smart planning will not end here, it will go to the next elements. Sometimes, it's important to be more flexible and go back to change previous options. by the end of this process, you will have the complete appropriate plan.
Be noted
It worth noted that, the process of smart planning isn't individuals' effort. It's a teamwork, and required a collaborative effort by expert. Moreover, the whole process should be facilitated by someone who has the expertise of such task. That's will bring neutrality to assist the options, and without that, there is a possibility of a pre-guided outcomes.