Action Plan

Modified on 2011/08/01 09:32 by swathen — Categorized as: Uncategorized

See Also:
How to write an Action Plan
Business Plan
Why Exit Planning
Pension Plans
Keogh Plan

Action Plan Definition¶

An action plan, defined as a plan which explains the action to take place in full detail, is a personal plan as much as it is a business tool. In any action plan, there are 3 main factors: what must be done, what tools are needed to do this, and when it will be finished. In this way an action plan format is universal: every action plan answers 3 main questions.

Action Plan Explanation¶

An action plan, explained as the what, how, and when of achieving a goal, is an essential business document. It is so important because the action plan establishes exactly what needs to be done to achieve a goal. Whether the goal is to open a business, complete a project, or organize the paperclips on a desk, the action plan is the path to thorough completion of the task. Though the tasks differ for each action plan, medical staffing and pizza delivery as an example, the structure of the plan remains the same.

First, an action plan states what the task is. This may seem remedial but it is important; goals must be established before they are carried out. If this stage is avoided problems surface. Additionally, by clearly stating the task someone can convey their action plan to others. Without directly stating the task, workers can easily become confused and loose direction. Think of it this way: do you write a list of things to purchase at the grocery store? This is the same as the first stage of an action plan in that it clearly states the task. If a trip to the grocery store can become derailed a project from the office can create exponential difficulties when not fully established.

Next, an action plan must establish the tools needed to complete the tasks. If the action plan is to create a company website, tools will include computers, web design software, and perhaps even a web designer. If the task is to survey a piece of property, it will surely need different tools than creating a website. An action plan makes sure to avoid this discrepancy by clearly stating the tools needed to get the job done.

Finally, an action plan creates a timeline. The benefit of this is two-fold: it allows an expectation of when a project will be finished and able to create value, as well as creating a schedule of tasks. At home, how many chores are put off for days, weeks, or even months. A home maintenance action plan is need to keep workers motivated and to tell them what to do and when to do it.

Action plans often become a part of a larger action plan outline. In business, specific action plans are combined to finally create a master action plan. This is called the business plan. An action plan was even created to write this article. Though the project was set back for unexplained reasons the action plan was finally completed, with the article written on software and published to the internet. For it, a writer was needed as well as a computer, internet access, and a subject matter. In this way, every goal will have an action plan if it is to be achieved.

Action Plan¶

Vito is the owner of an Italian restaurant. Coming from his motherland to a new home in the United States, he is an expert in authentic cuisine from southern Italy. Vito loves his food, his work, and his business.

Vito has created an action plan to create a pizza. First, the goal is to have a pizza ready for the customer in a maximum of 30 minutes. This is the main goal of the plan.

Next, the action plan establishes the tools to make a pizza. Vito needs dough, cheese, miscellaneous toppings, and the tomato sauce with the secret recipe from his grandmother. Vito assembles these tools every day.

Then, a timeline is created. In the first minute, the dough must be kneaded. After that, it takes 5 minutes to add all of the toppings. Vito knows it takes an additional 20 minutes of oven time to make the pizza. This leaves 4 minutes for accidents, distractions, and other time extensions.

Following his method, Vito is able to make his company a great success. His pizzas are delicious and customers love the secret sauce. Vito even created an action plan, marketing for his business, which focused mainly on finding a good location and creation an eye-catching sign. Vito loves his work, so he creates an action plan for achieving goals each part of it. This way he can achieve his tasks and come home happy that he has done valuable work.