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Key Takeaways
  • Types of Templates: Learn about various PEP templates for general, construction, software, preliminary, and checklist needs.
  • Essential Components: Understand the key elements every PEP template should include, like scope, deliverables, and risk management.
  • Creation Tips: Get practical advice on writing and customizing your PEP template to fit your project's needs.
  • Downloadable Resources: Access and use templates designed for different project types to streamline your planning process.

A project execution plan (PEP) is a document that showcases how a project will be carried out step-by-step. It highlights all the critical aspects of a project, its goals and details about how to accomplish them. However, making a project execution plan can be a rather daunting prospect. To help with this, we can use a project execution plan template.

A PEP template is rather useful for any project to have as it acts as a blueprint or roadmap of sorts for the entire project. These templates also come in various forms, so they are applicable to a wide variety of projects. 

Before we get started, we must properly define what a project execution plan template is.

What Is A Project Execution Plan Template?

A project execution plan template is a document that helps you build a project execution plan from the get-go instead of starting from scratch. In other words, it can act as a great starting point and help teams in creating a standardized planning and execution process. 

It typically has a structured format, however, there’s no one-size-fits-all template. There are various templates for different types of projects. Below, we’ve listed some common templates that can be used for all sorts of projects. 

General Project Execution Plan Template

A general project execution plan template is a versatile tool that can be used for a project. It typically includes sections for project objectives, scope, deliverables, timeline, resources, and risk management. Additionally, this project execution template provides a comprehensive overview of the project and can be adapted to meet the specific project requirements. 

Since this template isn’t specialized in any way, it can act as a great starting point for a variety of projects and can also be a good way to standardize the execution process. Its universal approach also means that it's compatible with a wide range of project management software such as ProjectManager.com.

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Construction Project Execution Plan Template

A construction project execution plan template helps ensure that all aspects of the construction process are planned and managed effectively. The template also incorporates additional details, such as a project manager for accountability and an entire task list with dates, making it perfect for frameworks like the work breakdown structure. 

Further construction specific sections such as permits and licenses can be incorporated as per the user’s needs.

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Software Project Execution Plan Template

A software project execution plan template is ideal for software development projects. It includes sections for requirements tasks, assignee, dates, duration and status. Additionally, the template also includes sections for managing software-specific risks, such as the notes section which can detail various issues such as software bugs. 

This template’s goal is to guide you through the tasks in a timely manner. It assists in creating a work breakdown structure and assigning tasks within your chosen development methodology (Agile, Waterfall, etc.), making it applicable to a wide variety of software projects. Project execution plan templates can also be created with Smartsheet software.

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Preliminary Project Execution Plan Template

The preliminary project execution plan template is for projects in the earliest stages of their inception. It focuses on setting up all the tasks for the future that will ensure smooth project completion.

The template also guides you in outlining a high-level project schedule and outlining resource needs. This initial plan serves as a springboard for further development into a more detailed project execution plan as the project progresses.

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Project Execution Plan Checklist Template

The project execution plan checklist, as the name implies, is a checklist for all the tasks that need to be undertaken while working on the project. All the critical aspects of the project are normally listed here, making it a great tool to monitor the status of the project and ensure that the execution remains smooth throughout the project. 

It can be tailored to specific project phases, whether it's the pre-construction stages for a building project or development sprints for a software development effort.

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Key Elements Of A Project Execution Plan Template

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The key elements of a project execution plan template are: 

  • Project Scope And Goals: This section is the most important element and defines the project's boundaries - what's included and excluded - and outlines the specific goals you want to achieve.
  • Deliverables And Success Criteria: The section clarifies the project’s output (reports, products, etc.) and establishes how success will be measured.
  • Resources: This identifies the team members, their roles, and the required resources (equipment, software, materials) for the project.
  • Project Schedule: Refers to the project timeline that has milestones, deadlines, and a breakdown of project tasks with estimated durations.
  • Communication Plan: Establishes how the project team and stakeholders will communicate. It includes meeting frequencies, reporting schedules, and protocols for handling issues.
  • Risk Management Plan: This identifies potential risks and outlines mitigation strategies. It also establishes a plan for monitoring and managing risks throughout the project.
  • Budget: Involves creating a detailed breakdown of project costs, including staff costs, materials, software licenses, and other expenses. It also defines how project finances will be managed and tracked.
  • Approvals: This section allows relevant stakeholders to sign off on the plan, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

How To Write An Execution Plan Template

To create a PEP Template, one must: 

  • Define Project Scope: Begin by considering the size and complexity of your project. A simple project might only need a basic template, while a larger one might require a more detailed one
  • Choose A Suitable Format: Project Execution Plan Templates can be built in various formats such as Word, Excel, or any other specialized project management software that feature tracking and task management tools
  • Include All Essential Sections: All the relevant sections for a Project Execution Plan such as Overview, Scope, WBS, and Schedules must be listed
  • Tailor The Template: Bear in mind that a template is just that—a template. If there are any deviations from the standard project templates, include them in. If there are additional details that do not fit in the framework, those should also be incorporated.
  • Keep It Simple: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. Make sure that the template is visually readable and uncluttered with irrelevant details

Additional Tips: 

  • Look for online resources that offer free PET templates to get you started and inspire your design 
  • Involve your project team in the planning process. Their input can help ensure the template is comprehensive and meets everyone's needs 
  • The template is a living document, so update it regularly as your project progresses 
  • Use the template as a communication tool to keep everyone informed about project developments and changes