AAOM Handbook

PL.24 Is Planning Effective? Context

The purpose of the Operating Model is to deliver the performance required from a process. Part of the underlying theory for achieving this is that if the Right Work is done, at the Right Time, and in the Right Way, then the required results will be delivered. Planning is an activity, undertaken with the purpose of ensuring that everything that is necessary for the sustainable (i.e. dealing responsibly with safety, the environment, employees, communities, governments and asset life), correct and efficient execution of the Right Work, at the Right Time, and in the Right way has been specified. The quality of the results delivered by the planning process has a direct impact on the work teams that will execute the work, and on the business area performance achieved through completing the work. That is, if the planning is not to the correct standard then the work teams will have a greater difficultly delivering the Right Work, at the Right Time and in the Right Way. The Work Management measures specified in the Operating Model cover all of the elements of its underlying theory, including the measurement of the Planning Quality. The Planning Quality KPI provides the overall indication of the performance of the planning function. If this KPI is not meeting the required specifications the Analyse and Improve process should be used to understand and correct the contributing causes. From an organisational perspective the first level of management that has 24/7 accountability for a technical discipline and/or business area is accountable for the performance of the work completed in this discipline and/or area. Since planning is a support for the preparation of this work, and hence may affect the performance of the work, this manager has the prerogative to review and input to the planning quality of the work. The manager is not required to review every Work Package and may choose to only exercise this prerogative on Work Packages that are particular interest to them. They may also choose to review the planning content at any stage of the planning process, and should not be constrained to reviewing the content only when the Work Package status has been set to Planned. Purpose To validate that the planning for a Task is being completed to the required standard. Quantity  A review of the planning content of selected Work Packages.  One decision whether additions or changes to the planning content are needed.

© McAlear Management Consultants 2004

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