Learning plan
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This article is about the ‘Learning plan’ - a tool to overcome the challenge of making sound decisions while facing uncertainties. It provides a systematic framework to facilitate a learning process that turns un-knowns into knowns. In principle, a learning plan is a document that can be used by a project team to resolve uncertainties in four different categories: market, technical, resource and organizational uncertainty. For the most critical ones the team develops assumptions for their solution. These are then tested and, if disproved, turn into a new assumption or, if proved, into a fact. A learning plan is essential to successful project management in the light of uncertainty. This is especially the case in new product development where the degree of uncertainty is typically high. In detail, learning from experience is one of the principles that reflect successful programmes and projects (Managing Successful Programmes 2011 Edition, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition). | This article is about the ‘Learning plan’ - a tool to overcome the challenge of making sound decisions while facing uncertainties. It provides a systematic framework to facilitate a learning process that turns un-knowns into knowns. In principle, a learning plan is a document that can be used by a project team to resolve uncertainties in four different categories: market, technical, resource and organizational uncertainty. For the most critical ones the team develops assumptions for their solution. These are then tested and, if disproved, turn into a new assumption or, if proved, into a fact. A learning plan is essential to successful project management in the light of uncertainty. This is especially the case in new product development where the degree of uncertainty is typically high. In detail, learning from experience is one of the principles that reflect successful programmes and projects (Managing Successful Programmes 2011 Edition, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition). | ||
An example learning process consists of several learning loops or passes through the learning plan. In each, a set of assumptions get tested until a sufficient level of certainty is reached. Typically, a project team needs about 3-4 learning loops to progress on the project. Each iteration consists of two phases: the testing of critical assumptions and the evaluation. The latter consists of a review of the results where new assumptions and further tests are identified. | An example learning process consists of several learning loops or passes through the learning plan. In each, a set of assumptions get tested until a sufficient level of certainty is reached. Typically, a project team needs about 3-4 learning loops to progress on the project. Each iteration consists of two phases: the testing of critical assumptions and the evaluation. The latter consists of a review of the results where new assumptions and further tests are identified. | ||
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| + | == Big idea == | ||
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- Key characteristics of the learning plan | - Key characteristics of the learning plan | ||
- How it relates to project, programme or portfolio management | - How it relates to project, programme or portfolio management | ||
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| + | == Application == | ||
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- Template for the learning plan | - Template for the learning plan | ||
- The three dimensions of uncertainty | - The three dimensions of uncertainty | ||
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- Learning plan resources and online tools | - Learning plan resources and online tools | ||
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| + | == Limitations == | ||
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Text | Text | ||
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| + | == Annotated bibliography == | ||
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Text | Text | ||
Revision as of 21:35, 14 February 2021
Contents |
Abstract
This article is about the ‘Learning plan’ - a tool to overcome the challenge of making sound decisions while facing uncertainties. It provides a systematic framework to facilitate a learning process that turns un-knowns into knowns. In principle, a learning plan is a document that can be used by a project team to resolve uncertainties in four different categories: market, technical, resource and organizational uncertainty. For the most critical ones the team develops assumptions for their solution. These are then tested and, if disproved, turn into a new assumption or, if proved, into a fact. A learning plan is essential to successful project management in the light of uncertainty. This is especially the case in new product development where the degree of uncertainty is typically high. In detail, learning from experience is one of the principles that reflect successful programmes and projects (Managing Successful Programmes 2011 Edition, Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2017 Edition). An example learning process consists of several learning loops or passes through the learning plan. In each, a set of assumptions get tested until a sufficient level of certainty is reached. Typically, a project team needs about 3-4 learning loops to progress on the project. Each iteration consists of two phases: the testing of critical assumptions and the evaluation. The latter consists of a review of the results where new assumptions and further tests are identified.
Big idea
- Key characteristics of the learning plan - How it relates to project, programme or portfolio management
Application
- Template for the learning plan - The three dimensions of uncertainty - Detailed steps for conducting a learning loop - Learning plan resources and online tools
Limitations
Text
Annotated bibliography
Text
