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Rolling Wave Planning

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Definition:
A scheduling technique where detailed planning is done for near-term activities, while future activities are planned at a higher level.

Key Components:

  • Progressive Elaboration: Plans become more detailed as the project progresses.
  • Flexibility: Adapts to evolving project conditions.
  • Phase-Based Approach: Immediate tasks are well-defined, while future phases remain broad.

Use Cases/Industries:

  • Construction: Planning detailed site work now while defining later phases at a high level.
  • Energy Sector: Scheduling short-term engineering tasks while finalizing long-term procurement plans.
  • IT Projects: Outlining future Agile sprints but detailing only the next iteration.

Advantages:

  • Allows for adjustments based on new information.
  • Reduces rework by avoiding over-detailed early planning.
  • Enables better alignment with changing project priorities.

Challenges:

  • Requires strong project oversight to refine plans continuously.
  • Can create uncertainty for long-term scheduling.

Related Terms:
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Baseline, Milestones

Example:
A project team creates a detailed plan for the next three months but keeps the following six months in a high-level format, updating as needed.

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Synonyms:
Incremental Planning, Adaptive Scheduling, Phase-Based Planning
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