A work plan is an outline of a set of goals and processes by which a team and/or person can accomplish those goals, and offer a better understanding of the scope of the project. Work plans help a team and/or person stays organized while working on projects. Through work plans, you break down a process into small, achievable tasks and identify the things you want to accomplish.​ (How to Write a Work Plan, 2020)​  

Some tips are given below to help your team to plan and implement your project. There are a few recommended subsections that would ease your work and make the tasks easier to achieve.  

The main parts of planning: 

• Identify the purpose of your work plan. Determine the purpose up front so you can prepare properly. Keep in mind that most work plans are for a certain period of time. Work plans can help students create a schedule for a large project. 
• Write the introduction and background. It gives a short overview of the project and a summary of the team’s approach. The introduction should be short and engaging. Remind your superiors why you are creating this work plan. Introduce the specific project(s) you will be working on during this time period.  
• Determine your goal(s) and objectives. Goals and objectives are related in that they both point to things you hope to accomplish through your work plan. However, remember the differences, too; goals are general and objectives are more specific. Goals should focus on the big picture of your project. List the desired ultimate outcome of your work plan. Objectives should be specific and tangible. In other words, you should be able to check these off your list when you accomplish them. Many work plans break down objectives into short-, middle-, and long-term objectives if they vary significantly.
• Consider ordering your work plan by “SMART” objectives. SMART is an acronym used by individuals searching for more tangible, actionable outcomes in work plans.
  • Measurable. Is it quantifiable and can we measure it? Can you count the results? Remember that a baseline number needs to be established to quantify change.
  • Achievable. Can we get it done in the time allotted with the resources we have available? The objective needs to be realistic given the constraints. In some cases, an expert or authority may need to be consulted to figure out if your work plan objectives are achievable.
  • Relevant. Will this objective have an effect on the desired goal or strategy? Make sure your objectives and methods have a clear, intuitive relationship.
  • Time-bound. When will this objective be accomplished, and/or when will we know we are done? Specify a hard end date for the project. Stipulate which, if any, outcomes would cause your project to come to a premature end, with all outcomes having been achieved. 
• List your resources. Include anything that will be necessary for you to achieve your goals and objectives. Resources will vary, depending on the purpose of your work plan. Resources may include access to different libraries; research materials like books, newspapers, and journals; computer and Internet access; and professors or other individuals who can help you if you have questions. 
• Identify any constraints. Constraints are obstacles that may get in the way of achieving your goals and objectives.  
• Who is accountable? Accountability is essential for a good plan. Who is responsible for completing each task? There can be a team of people working on a task (see resources) but one person has to be answerable to a task being completed on time. ​(How to Write a Work Plan, 2020)

Table 1 Individual team member assignments 

• Write your strategy. Look over your work plan and decide how you will use your resources and overcome your constraints in order to reach your goals and objectives. 
• List specific action steps. Identify what needs to happen each day or week for you to complete your objectives. Also, list steps other people on your team will need to take. Consider using project management software or a personal calendar to keep this information organized. 
• Create a schedule. Though you can create a tentative work schedule, realize that unexpected things happen and you need to build space into your schedule to prevent falling behind.​ (How to Write a Work Plan, 2020)​ 

Fig. 1.  Example of a simple Gantt chart