A Project Plan is a systematic, graduated series of steps, key processes, tools & techniques, inputs and outputs across time that results in completion of a temporary endeavour. Project Plans are normally created to guide a project from beginning to end, and often include the following process considerations:  scope, time, cost, integration, control, communication, human resources, procurement and risk.

On a larger scale, a Program Implementation Plan is a strategic document designed to simplify the process of rolling out large (often multiple) projects (e.g., capital construction and IT projects); usually over a period of many months or years. The size and complexity of healthcare projects makes project and program planning critical links in the overall planning and development value chain.

Since projects differ significantly between industries and sectors; there is no "one size fits all" approach to program and project planning processes. Having said this, Busby & Associates offers a template Program Implementation Plann framework for the rollout of $200 million in capital projects for a $2 billion healthcare organization:

Sample Project Implementation Plan

Executive Summary

• Overview and description of framework objectives, projections, modeling, existing resources, planned additions, quantified and categorized data, costing, escalation factors (if applicable)

 Document Structure and Audiences

• Identifies the specific audiences (e.g., executive decision-makers, directors, managers, capital planners) who will use the plan, and what their roles are in relation to one another.
• Identifies specific information required by each user group to make decisions.

Strategic Context

• Alignment of the plan with the overall strategic vision of the organization, as articulated in strategic planning documents and other ancillary plans is a must.

Processes, Tools and Forms

• A series of assistive tools, which allow each audience member to access the information they require, or to plan their roles accordingly.
• Processes - overall project processes, including authorization points.
• Tools - project checklists, project briefs, financial and projection modeling.
• Forms - standardized forms that facilitate and streamline the project implementation and approval processes (internally and externally).

Locational Overview and Needs Assessment

• A description of planned projects, dependencies and interfaces within a given geographic area or region
• A description of what exists, what is planned, why it is planned, associated costs, and project scope/parameters

Project Briefs and Planning Schedules

• Individual project information briefs
• Individual project planning schedules

Cost Estimates

• Modeled cost estimates broken down on a project by project basis, or on a regional or sub-regional level

Appendices

•  Supporting documentation and research