^ [[3.2 The PM2 Lifecycle]] # 3.2.2  Planning Phase ![[3.2.2 Planning Phase.png]] The second phase of a PM2 project is the Planning Phase. During the Planning Phase, the project’s objective is developed into a **specific and workable plan** ready to be executed. The Project Work Plan specifies the project **scope** and appropriate **approach**, decides on a **schedule** for the tasks involved, **estimates** the necessary resources and develops the **detail of the project plans**. Several times during the Planning Phase, the ==Project Work Plan can be updated==. Once **agreed** and finalised it is **baselined** and signed off. The following activities are part of the Planning Phase: - Running the Planning [[Kick-off Meeting]] to officially start the Planning Phase. - Creating the [[Project Handbook]], which defines the project’s management ==approach== - Developing the [[Project Work Plan]] (==Work Breakdown, Effort and Costs, Schedule==). - Updating the [[Project Stakeholder Matrix]], which identifies all project stakeholders. - Creating other important plans such as the [[Communication Management Plan|Communications Management Plan]], the [[Transition Plan]] and the [[Business Implementation Plan]]. ![[Fig 3.4 Overview of the Planning Phase.png]] The Project Manager (PM) uses the outputs of the Planning Phase to request **approval** to move on to the **Executing Phase**. This decision to move on is taken by the **Project Steering Committee (PSC)**. ___ Spanish Guide: [[3.2.2 Fase de Planificación]] <-- [[3.2.1 Initiating Phase]] --> [[3.2.3 Executing Phase]] ___ ![[👉 Quick links]]