Project management represents a vast array of principles, skills, tools, and techniques designed to help people or organizations select and design an undertaking, envision a successful outcome, schedule phases and milestones, minimize risk, and measure progress. Among the most important aspects of project management is planning, which can be performed effectively in many different contexts using a project plan.

What is a project plan? A project plan is a coordinating tool, planning aid, and communication device that helps you, your organization, team, clients, service suppliers, or contractors define the crucial aspects of your project or program.

What is the difference between a project and a program? A project usually refers to an effort with a distinct life cycle and time table, such as the development of a product. A program suggests an ongoing effort, such as a service provided by a nonprofit group. A project plan can help define the directions that either a project or program may take.

To assist you in your own project or program planning, we've provided an interactive, award-winning tutorial called “Preparing a Project Plan.” You can use it in a completely independent, self-study mode, and it takes only a few hours to complete. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the interactive training, you can download the companion study guide (please see the links to both resources, below).

In addition, the collection of information below represents resources, summaries of events pertaining to project management, and related material. Our chapter will continue to add to the material in the form of articles, mini-courses, FAQs, and additional information. In the meantime, we welcome your ideas and comments!