project templates

[pmkb]

When planning a project, do you use project templates (or copies of past projects) to jump start your planning, or do you plan everything from scratch?

[harrywaldron]

I've actually used BOTH approaches for projects related to IT

If project "B" is closely related to project "A", I might reuse the MPP files and even some of the documents (particularly since we use a standardized methodology). Reuse works best on small to medium sized maintenance projects where there's a fairly routine expected approach.

However, if project "C" is either large or fairly unique, the whole planning and documentation cycle will start again.

[jjf_1975]

If I know that a WBS worked well on a similar project I will try and get that to start with.
Defence also have guidelines for WBS development
Australia: DEF(AUST)5664, and in
US: MIL-HDBK-881

As for the schedule itself, that is generally created from scratch, apart from obvious activities which are the same in every project we do ie develop Proj Mgmt Plan etc

Other documents, such as the Project Management Plan, Earned Value Management Plan, Risk Management Plan etc etc can generally be copied and updated to meet project specific requirements.

Regards
Joanne

[ALM]

I would suggest that you use your lessons learn from past projects as a start, plus what the industry has to offer. This serves as a guide just in case you do not want to make the same mistakes the previous project had.
Then expand on that from what your team has to offer.

[sunsxg]

:spudnikco i use the template or some form i've ready for ,to make my work efficient.

[jblack]

I try to start with a template. No since in reinventing the wheel! If I can find a schedule from a similar project in the past, I feel I have an advantage. If I can't find an old similar schedule, I have found some templates on this site which at least gives me a place to start. Here's the link: http://www.projecttemplates.4t.com/


Hope this helps!

JBlack
www.pmconnection.com

[Manni]

Hi,

in the past i offered my colleagues MS-Project Templates, which could be implemented to start a new project.
Those templates where broken down in project-sections with basically about 50 tasks. But even with VBA-programs to make it easier to import those project-moduls it wasn't used very often; most user found it circumstantial.

In Primavera, which i started to use 2 months ago, with Methodology Manager it is very comfortable to provide project templates, some sections or even only usefull parts. It's really a big step in useability.

But, whatever which tool you use. It needs the willingness and assitance from all parties (also from oneself) after finishing a project spending time in Lessons Learned.

I noticed that many people have time spending a half day calling around looking for a similar project, browse through file folders and CD / DVD's, then check several projects and so on.
But not really many spend about 15 minutes preparing a finished project for general use in the future.

By,
Manni