Introduction

Finding a solution does not mean that the problem is solved. You still need to implement the solution, and that requires a plan of its own.

Even the best solutions often fail because of ineffective implementation, so a plan needs to include:

• What will happen.
• Who and what will be affected.
• What resources are required.
• Time scales.
• Deliverables.
• Risks.
• Contingencies.

Planning and preparation is the key to successful implementation of the solution. The more important the problem, or the more complex the actions required to solve it, the more thorough your planning and preparation needs to be to ensure success.

Basically, the plan of action describes what actions are required and how they will be implemented to ensure success. Unless the problem is simple or routine, you need to construct a detailed plan of action. This involves systematically identifying and recording the following elements: