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.