Updating a project management plan

Why update your project management plan? There are many reasons:

• because it is the reference document that sets the framework for the project. It is important that it constantly reflects the reality of the project's operation, which is likely to evolve over time for a variety of reasons: it is therefore necessary to update it regularly when it is drawn up;

• because it is both the roadmap for your project and a document that unites people around it. It enables you to assess results at various milestones and at the end of the project, and to ensure that everyone is committed to shared objectives and strategy;

• because it makes it easier to track the progress of your project and formalize changes, modifications and other decisions;

• because it appears to be a reassuring practice for the project team and your management: it formally shows that the project is being monitored and enables effective communication around it;

• because it's a way of capitalizing – on knowledge and lessons learned – and drawing on lessons learned to improve practices, estimating methods (time, budget, quality, etc.) and monitoring. It's a great way to contribute to the success of future projects!