A work plan is a detailed plan for executing a project, identifying each phase of the project, the significant steps associated with them, and the specific tasks to be performed along the way. Best practice work plans identify the specific functional resources assigned to each job, the planned task duration, and the dependencies between tasks.
In the context of product development, a work plan may be used to track progress from idea generation through to market launch and post-launch evaluation. It can help ensure that all necessary steps are taken and that critical milestones are met promptly. In addition, by outlining the project this way, it becomes easier to spot potential risks and bottlenecks and make course corrections as needed. A well-executed work plan can mean the difference between a successful product launch and a costly failure.