What Is Implementation Planning? And How to Write Your Plan

Implementation planning is a process in project management that entails creating step-by-step instructions for completing projects. The purpose of this process is to inform members of a project team of the concrete actions and individual tasks required to achieve the team’s strategic goals.

What is an implementation plan? 

An implementation plan is a written document that outlines a team’s steps to accomplish a goal or project. Having such a document enables team members and key stakeholders to understand all aspects of a project before executing it. 

Although you may find implementation plans that differ from one project to another, you may find they have several components in common, including:

• Project objectives 

• Scope statement 

• Risks analysis 

• Resources and tools list 

• Outline of deliverables 

• Implementation strategy 

• Implementation schedule

• Team roles and responsibilities 

• Implementation plan metrics

Benefits of creating an implementation plan

Creating an implementation plan for your project means you have an actionable roadmap for the whole project and a mechanism to hold team members and stakeholders accountable, simplify communication, and offer transparency.

Strategic plan vs. implementation plan

Implementation plans are sometimes referred to as strategic plans, but you’ll find an important distinction between these two terms. A strategic plan details the strategies you’ll use to complete a project, while an implementation plan details the step-by-step actions you’ll take to complete a project.

How to write an implementation plan 

Before you start writing your implementation plan, you’ll need several things. Before the project is launched, be sure to get official clearance from decision-makers and stakeholders. In addition, the project team will need to conduct thorough research into the key resources it will need and the time it will take to complete the tasks. 

With this preparation behind you, follow the steps below to build your implementation plan.

1. Define your project goals.

A project goal is what a project team will accomplish beyond the tangible outcomes or deliverables. Think of it as what a project outcome or deliverable can enable for others. For example, your project goal might be to develop software that makes it easier for business owners to reach customers. 

2. Define outcomes and deliverables.

You will need to define the project’s outcomes and deliverables along with goals. These are the expected results of every step you take to complete a project or the final product. Examples of outcomes and deliverables include the construction of a building, the development of a software program, and the launch of a new product line. 

You’ll also need to define KPIs (key performance indicators) to determine how your project is measured and monitored at every phase.

3. Assess potential risks. 

Every project carries some risks that may affect the outcome. It’s important to know project risks before you launch the project and implement the steps to complete it. Risks might include unforeseen delays, costs, or even changes in the industry that the project affects.

4. Set tasks and due dates.

Work with team members to determine the specific tasks and subtasks that must be completed for the project to come to fruition. Start by breaking the project goal, outcomes, and deliverables into actionable steps and lining them up in the order they need to be completed. Then, determine the actual deadlines for each step.

5. Assign team member roles and responsibilities. 

Once you have established the individual project tasks and deadlines, the next step is to work with your team to assign member roles and responsibilities. When assigning tasks, consider team members’ strengths and experience, as well as their availability during the project’s duration.

6. Assemble your implementation plan.

Now that you have all the components of your implementation plan, the final step is to assemble them into a coherent document that includes the following: 

• Project objectives

• Scope statement

• Implementation strategy

• Risk analysis

• Resources and tools list

• Outline of deliverables

• Implementation schedule 

• Team roles and responsibilities

• Implementation plan metrics

What are the 4 steps of implementation?

The implementation process consists of four stages: exploration, installation, initial implementation, and full implementation. Discover these in more detail:

- Exploration: Understanding your organization's needs to make a change and conducting research to determine methods for accomplishing this

- Installation: Building the necessary infrastructure and establishing support within your organization to make the changes

- Initial implementation: Putting those changes into practice and gathering data to determine efficacy

- Full implementation: Making the changes permanent within the business and including them in everyday routines

Implementation planning key takeaways

Remember: The implementation planning process can enable team members to understand all aspects of a project before executing it, simplify communication among team members and stakeholders, and offer transparency.

Follow these best practices to get the most out of your project management process:

• Make use of tools and software for project management, such as Gantt charts and PERT charts. 

• When in doubt about a particular aspect of your project, conduct additional research and consult subject matter experts. 

• Centralize communication using your project management tool so that everyone simultaneously receives project updates and announcements. 

Learn implementation planning with Coursera

An implementation plan can help you create a roadmap for a project, reduce risk, plan ahead, and ensure that all team members follow the same guidelines. Taking online courses can also be a great way to learn more about project management and explore career options.