What to Include in Your Project Management Plan

When you think of putting together a project management plan, there’s a lot to consider. You’ve got scope, timelines, resources, and even risk management tactics to weigh. But you know what? Not every piece of administrative detail fits into this puzzle. So, let’s unpack what should—and shouldn’t—be part of your project management plan.

Now, imagine you’re working on a big project. Maybe it’s developing a new app or rolling out a marketing campaign. Your project management plan is like your roadmap—a guide to how you’ll get from point A to point B. Now, many folks might assume that employee performance reviews are part of this plan, but here’s the kicker: they’re not.

What to Include in Your Project Management Plan

So, what exactly belongs in your project management plan? A few critical elements should make the cut.

1. Policies from the Organization: These help ensure that your project adheres to your company's standards. Think of it as your secret weapon for aligning your project goals with the broader business objectives.

2. Sub-Plans for Smaller Tasks: Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks is crucial. This way, everyone knows their role, and you can track progress more effectively. It’s all about clarity, right?

3. Procedures for Project Execution: These are the nuts and bolts of how your project will actually unfold. They provide clarity on workflows, responsibilities, and timelines, all vital for success.

The Odd One Out

Now, let’s circle back to that intriguing aspect we said isn’t typically included: employee performance reviews. Hold up—before you think I’m waving a red flag here, let’s clarify. Employee assessments are more about HR than about the day-to-day running of a project. Imagine this: you’re knee-deep in project tasks, and suddenly someone throws a performance review discussion into the mix. It’s kind of like trying to read the room at a party where everyone is having a great time, then someone changes the subject to taxes.

Employee performance reviews evaluate how well team members are doing, but they don’t directly inform project execution or strategy. Keeping them separate allows the project team to focus on immediate objectives without getting sidetracked.

The Bottom Line

As you gear up for the APM Project Management Qualification exam, keep this in mind: having a solid understanding of what goes into a project management plan will give you an edge. So, focus on the essentials like scope, timelines, and execution procedures, while remembering to sidestep the HR-related stuff.

So, next time you’re drafting a project plan, ask yourself: Am I including the right elements? And be confident knowing that steering clear of performance appraisals will help keep your focus on what really matters.

With this knowledge and perspective, you’re well on your way to mastering project management in the APM PMQ context. Happy studying!