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What This Is
A simple template for managing so-called micro-projects—short, usually low-cost, low-effort projects that
will take just a few days, or at most a few weeks, to complete. Examples of possible micro-projects
include short work projects, like designing and programming a new report or upgrading software on a few
computers in one workgroup, and ordinary life-projects like moving, selecting the right college, or planning
a family vacation (the example used for this document).
How to Use It
Ideally, your micro-project plan will serve only as a thinking tool, and a reminder to jot some quick
notes about what you're trying to accomplish and why. There should be no need to hold a formal meeting
or get plan approval for most projects of this type. (An exception may be when you're trying to convince a
manager that it's worth a little extra time on a pet project—a well thought-out plan can go a long way
toward making the case, and insuring that the new effort won't undermine existing deadlines or
objectives.)
You should be able to answer all these questions for yourself and your micro-project very quickly,
by having a few informal conversations and taking the time to think through the template. From the
perspective of others involved, it should look like things are falling into place fairly easily, and that you're
very organized—not like you're managing things and people within an inch of their lives. The example
plan in this document takes just 2-1/2 pages, and very little text.
Remember to seek out the lessons learned from previous projects. If you've done a similar project in
the past, review it quickly in your head. Have you incorporated all of the lessons you learned the last
time? If your previous project involved others, tap them on the shoulder and ask them for some brief input
as well. Yours is not the only memory of how that project went, and your version of events may not be the
most reliable. Don't discount any of your team members; they may contribute important insights.
When you've finished, review your plan. Does it still look feasible? Is it worth the effort now that you've
thought it all the way through? Make any necessary adjustments, then implement your plan by starting
with the first action item on your list and knocking them off one by one.
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Flexibility Matrix
Weigh your vision and your constraints and fill in the flexibility matrix. This will provide clarity as you fill in
the rest of your plan, and will guide you when you're forced to make choices.
Tradeoff
Critical Negotiable Flexible
Factors
Scope/Goal
Cost
Schedule
Projected Costs/Expenses
Equipmen
Rental Fees Gas t Food Totals
Phase 1 / Development
Item 1
Item 2
Phase 2 / Implementation
Item 1
Item 2
TOTALS
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Test Plan
If your project relies on the proper function of any particular piece of equipment or software (flashlights
and tent for a camping trip, a watertight canoe for a boating adventure, working DVD drives and license
codes for a computer upgrade), make a note of what you need to test, as well as how and when.
Dependencies
Record any peripheral dependencies that aren't really part of the main plan but that are required to
complete your project successfully. This should be a fairly short list. If you find yourself lost in a sea of
dependencies, you are probably over-planning a simple project or under-planning a complex project.
Revisit your vision to see which it is. If it really is that complex, consider treating your effort more like a
full-sized project.
Description Critical Date/ Issue Notes or Impact
Date Range
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ProjectConnections.com Template Micro-Project Plan
RISKS
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ProjectConnections.com Template Micro-Project Plan
Flexibility Matrix
Tradeoff
Critical Negotiable Flexible
Factors
Scope/Goal X
Cost X
Schedule X
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Projected Costs/Expenses
Equipmen
Rental Fees Gas t Food Totals
Travel
SUV Rental $ 250.00 $ 250.00
Campground fees $ 85.00 $ 85.00
Travel $40.00 $ 40.00
$ 375.00
Food
New dutch oven $27.00 $ 27.00
Dinner x 3 $10.00 $ 10.00
Breakfast x 3 $8.00 $ 8.00
Lunch x 4 $10.00 $ 10.00
$ 55.00
TOTALS $ 335.00 $ 40.00 $ 27.00 $ 28.00 $ 430.00
Related Equipment, tool, or software Est. Cost Date Lead time Training
Task/Activity Needed needed?
Pitch tent Tent! Stakes and tarp. --- Mon am --- Practice
Stargazing Scope, star maps, red light flashlight, $12 light Fri pm --- Yes
pointer $5 map
Sand castles Beach umbrella, towels & toys, etc. $10 ea Sat pm ---
Meals Groceries $28 Sun pm
Cooler. Small one? --- Sat pm ---
Block ice. Can we freeze our Sun pm 2 days if
own this time? we freeze it
Water, 4 days + extra Neg. Buy a 5gal? Mon am ---
Dutch oven for fix & forget food $30 Sat pm ---
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Dependencies
RISKS
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