Enhance communication

Understanding the project planning phaseIt’s time to understand the project planning phase. This is an essential step in the project management process, and one that will have a significant impact on your chances of successfully completing your project. Let’s look at the project lifecycle in general and then the key tasks that make up the planning phase.

Project management lifecycle overviewThe four phases of the project management lifecycle are as follows:Project initiation

: This is where you first identify a business need or problem, then offer a potential solution. Key activities here include:
Preparing a project charterIdentifying project stakeholders
Project execution: This phase sees your team begin to execute the project plan. This involves:Allocating and managing resourcesTracking progress
Communicating with stakeholders.Project close-out: The last phase involves looking back at your project, analysing its success, and determining what can be improved upon next time. Key activities include:
Reviewing project performanceConducting a post-mortemArchiving documents.
Key tasks in the project planning phaseThe planning phase of a project typically includes the following important activities:®Establishing a budget
– Agile Project Management: The cost estimate and allocation of financial resources is a critical step. The following may be considered:Foundation LabourLearn the key principles of Agile Project Management.Materials and equipment®
Practitioner Overheads. Certified Associate in Project ManagementIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.Defining the project schedulePMIPRINCE2: It is necessary to create a timeline to include:®
®Duration of tasks Project Management Professional (PMP) AgileMilestones®Foundation Task dependencies.IPMA
Learn the fundamentals of the PRINCE2 Agile method.Developing WBS®Practitioner : A Work Breakdown Structure ( Levels A, B, C or D.Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.WBSIPMA
Scrum) is a hierarchical representation of the project. The following are useful:®Scrum Essentials Identification of all necessary tasks is a registered trademark of IPMA in Switzerland and other countries.Self-paced training course to learn the essentials of Scrum.Assignment of responsibilitiesPRINCE2 Agile Practitioner
Scrum Master Resource estimation.PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner certification requires that you first hold either a PRINCE2 Foundation or PRINCE2 Agile Foundation certificate. It is only suitable if you work in an agile environment and want to apply the PRINCE2 framework. The exam tests you on your ability to apply PRINCE2 appropriately in an agile context.Choose Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org Scrum Master training courses.Identification of resourcesTo gain your PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner certification, the typical learning path is Scrum Product Owner : The resources needed to complete the project need to be identified. The following may be considered:PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner training
Choose Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org Product Owner training courses.Human resources (team members, skills required) which takes 2 days, or 21 hours if studying online. Training can also be combined with the PRINCE2 Agile Foundation. In this case, training takes 4 days, or 33 hours if studying online.AgileBAEquipment and toolsAgilePM Practitioner ®Materials and supplies.AgilePM Practitioner certification requires that you hold an AgilePM Foundation certificate. It is suitable if you want to apply the agile project framework on projects. AgilePM Practitioner is a popular choice for project managers working in an agile context.
– Agile Business AnalysisEvaluating potential roadblocksTo gain your AgilePM Practitioner certification, the typical learning path is Is a program manager a project manager?Foundation : Conducting a risk assessment involves:AgilePM Practitioner training Learn the fundamentals of Agile Business Analysis.Identification of risks and potential issues which takes 1 day, or 15 hours if studying online. Training can also be combined with the AgilePM Foundation in which case, it takes 4 days, or 35 hours if studying online.
Practitioner Development of risk mitigation strategiesCompTIA Project+ Is a program manager higher than a project manager?4-day course including Foundation.Creation of contingency plans.CompTIA offers some of the leading IT qualifications in the world. CompTIA Project+ Lean Six SigmaCompleting these key activities during the planning phase allows the ®
Yellow Belt project manager focuses on managing smaller, less complex projects within the IT industry. This certification tests student’s knowledge of the specific industry tools used for documentation and requirements analysis. Is a program manager the same as a PMO?Self-paced training course to gain LSS Yellow Belt. to develop a detailed project plan. This plan guides the project throughout its lifecycle, significantly increasing the chance of a successful project.This certification has no prerequisites, but without the recommended 135 hours of IT project development experience, you might find yourself a bit lost. PMIEnhance your skills with our expert-led coursesPMI PMP
® PMI’s  Is program management a rewarding role?PMI-ACP Project Management Professional Self-paced course to prepare you for the exam (exam not included).  (PMP)
KanbanInstructor-led® Is program management a stressful job?Estimating for Agile FoundationIntroduction to Project Management course certification is the most challenging one on this list. To be eligible for this certification you must have 3 years of project management experience and a 4-year college/university degree. Without a degree you require 5 years of project management experience. In both cases you also need at least 35 hours of project management education completed before the exam. Agile Learning Library (ALL)™ The PMI PMP
BUSINESS ANALYSIS£499 +vat® Is program manager a leadership role?BCS Business Analysis exam covers every aspect of project management from your ability to plan projects to monitoring and controlling project tasks. Business Analysis Foundation See all datesMaintaining your PMI PMP
Learn the fundamentals of business analysis. ® What are program manager interviews like?Modelling Business Processes qualification requires you continuously accumulate Professional Development Units (PDUs), which are one-hour blocks of time that you spend learning, teaching others, or volunteering. Gain practitioner certificate in modelling business processes.If you want to gain your PMP certificate, a typical learning path is to take 
Instructor-ledBusiness Analysis Practices PMP training What are the characteristics of a good program manager?Project Management EssentialsGain practitioner certificate in business analysis practices. which takes 35 hours of online study.Give us a call Requirements Engineering Choose from these project management certifications
£999 +vatGain practitioner certificate in requirements engineering. What are the qualifications for a program manager? Business Analysis International Diploma +44 (0)207 148 5985 See all datesAll 4 courses bundled into this Diploma certification package.
Essential elements of a project planAgileBASelf-pacedOr chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen.What does a program manager do that project managers don't do?Components of an effective project plan®APM PFQ blended onlineContact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you. A well-structured project plan includes several critical elements that work in unison to offer a comprehensive guide for carrying out a project. Let’s delve into these vital components. – Agile Business Analysis Finance FAQs
Executive summaryFoundation training £749 +vatContactWhat is a typical career path of a program manager?The Learn the fundamentals of Agile Business Analysis. Cookies executive summaryPractitioner Privacy
offers a concise overview of the entire project plan. It should:4-day course including Foundation. TermsWhat is above a program manager?A brief description of the project’s purpose and goalsPMISelf-pacedCustomer Support Highlights of key deliverables and timelines®PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced online
A summary of resource requirements and budgetPMI-PBA [email protected]What is the biggest challenge for a program manager?A summary of potential risks and mitigation strategies.Self-paced course to prepare you for the exam (exam not included).£1,399 +vatJoin Our Team The executive summary is typically a concise section that allows readers to quickly understand the project’s essence without having to read the entire plan.Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™
Project scope and objectivesCHANGE MANAGEMENT [email protected]What is the difference between a project manager and a programme manager?Defining the APMG Change Management Copyright © 2005-2026 Knowledge Train Limited. project scopeFoundation Self-paced Registered in UK: 5566983.
is essential to prevent scope creep and ensure successful project completion. This section should cover:Learn the fundamentals of enterprise change management.AgilePM Practitioner (with Foundation) self-paced online Registered VAT: GB872413526.What is the difference between program and project manager?Specific project goals and objectivesPractitioner Knowledge Train Project boundaries and limitationsIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.£1,299 +vat®
Deliverables and acceptance criteriaPROGRAMME MANAGEMENTExpert project management certifications is a registered trademark of Knowledge Train Limited. What qualifications do you need to be a program manager?Any exclusions or out-of-scope items.MSPThere aren’t a lot of certifications more difficult than those already mentioned. If you want to work as a project manager or are already employed in a project manager, an intermediate certificate will be all you’ll ever need. 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, England, United Kingdom. Clear articulation of the project scope helps manage stakeholders’ expectations and sets a solid foundation for the project’s execution.®The following certification tests your in-depth knowledge of project management but is really only valuable if you are already an expert with many years’ experience. Knowledge Train are experts in project management, PRINCE2, agile and change management training and certification. Choose from a full range of instructor-led and self-paced
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)Foundation APM ChPPproject management coursesWhat skills are needed by a program manager?A Learn the fundamentals of programme management.The APM’s own Project Management Chartered Standard (ChPP) examination similarly takes place over 3 days. In the first 2 days you’ll be given coaching by a ChPP professional and get your paperwork in order. On the final day, interviewed a board and will have to provide comprehensive documentation of your work over the past several years., a work breakdown structurePractitioner The board will be looking to see that you’ve not only encountered several setbacks in your project management career, but that you’ve also overcome these challenges with a little ingenuity and out-the-box thinking.PRINCE2 course
Organise the work into logical groupingsITILNo matter how much experience you have, or what you’re looking for a project management certification, there’s likely a certificate out there. to boost your career. Creating a WBS helps to ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and nothing is overlooked.project management certification coursesFoundation ® The Subscribe to our exclusive offers and promotionsStrategist DPI ®

Programme Management related articlesproject timeline 3-day ITIL Strategist: Direct, Plan & Improve (DPI) course., ITIL

provides a visual representation of the project’s duration and key events. It should include:Subscribe nowSpecialist: DSV ®
Portfolio management – Interview with Ipek Sahra Özgülerresources Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)™, and the Swirl logo are registered trademarks of the PeopleCert group. Used under licence from PeopleCert. All rights reserved. AgilePM
needed to complete the project, including: Compliance Learning Library (CLL)™®image
External resources or contractors. are registered trademarks of Agile Business Consortium Limited. All rights reserved. The APMG International AgilePM and Swirl Device logo, APMG International AgileBA and Swirl Device Logo, APMG International Change Management and APMG International Better Business Cases and Swirl Device logo are trademarks of The APM Group Limited, used under permission of The APM Group Limited. All rights reserved. Better Business Cases™ is a trademark of Her Majesty’s Treasury. All rights reserved. DevOps Foundation_blankGain insights into portfolio management from expert Ipek Sahra Özgüler and its strategic importance. Read the interview for deep insights.Specifying the resources required for the project can help to ensure that the necessary resources are available to support its successful completion. ®Free tools
Budget and cost estimates is a registered mark of the DevOps Institute. “PMI”, “PMBOKAbout
P3O: An Overview of Portfolio, Programme and Project OfficesCash flow projections, if applicable. PROJECT MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS & WORKSHOPS
A comprehensive budget or cost estimate provides a financial roadmap for the project, enabling effective financial management and control.PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured project management method used to plan, control and deliver projects through defined roles, stages and management products. It is used by project managers, project teams and governance groups such as a Project Board to improve control, business justification and delivery outcomes. Select your preferred qualification or workshop.image
risk Select your preferred training course below:P3O, or Portfolio, Programme and Project Offices, is a best practice framework that helps organisations optimise decision-making, governance and delivery across their initiatives. Learn how the P3O model supports effective management of portfolios, programmes and projects. management plan, which should:
List identified risks and their potential impact APM COURSES
How MSP training and qualifications can help your careercommunication Select your preferred training course below:
plan, which should: The Association for Project Management (APM), a leading UK educational charity, offers qualifications that boost your career at any stage. Read on to discover how these credentials can enhance your professional journey. image
Establish reporting structures and escalation procedures Discover how MSP training and qualifications can enhance your career and contribute to successful programme design and delivery. Read on for more.Specify the tools and platforms for information sharing. P3O COURSES
Effective communication is key to project success, and a well-defined Select your preferred training course below:
ProgrammesAn executive summary is a brief overview of the main points covered in the rest of the project plan. It is usually the first section to be read by stakeholders, which makes it an important one as well.
Key points to coverFunctionalProject success heavily depends on having an effective project communication plan. Our thorough guide helps you create an effective strategy to keep stakeholders informed and proactive during every stage of your project.AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSESimage
Key deliverables and milestones PRINCE2 AGILE COURSESLearn about the strategic value of managing programmes within organizations to achieve broad change. Discover more about our approach to programme management.Potential risks and mitigation strategies. Select your preferred training course below:
Tips for an effective summaryFunctional
Defining a clear project scope is crucial for successful project execution. It sets the boundaries for what needs to be done and prevents scope creep (expansion of the project after its start). 19 Feb 2026 Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)Setting project boundaries BUSINESS ANALYSIS QUALIFICATIONS
Define project constraints (time, budget, resources) Unlock the secrets to better project outcomes with project quality management. Explore essential principles, practices and strategies to ensure excellence in your projects, and discover why quality matters.Select your preferred qualification.image
Identifying deliverables and expectations Select your preferred training course below:Learn how Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) can help you handle complex changes in your organisation. Scroll down for a detailed exploration.List all the deliverables of the project
Define acceptance criteria for each deliverable AGILE BUSINESS ANALYSIS COURSES
APMG CHANGE MANAGEMENT COURSESProgrammes and programme management
Contact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you.Knowledge Train is a P3O Accredited Training Organization.The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.Smartsheet Finance FAQs : A spreadsheet-like platform that combines the functionality of a project management tool with Gantt chart visualisation. ContactKnowledge Train is an AgilePM Accredited Training Organization. These tools make it easy for Cookies project managers