What is Rolling Wave Planning?

In this video I answer the question, what is Rolling Wave Planning? And I also look at the rolling wave planning process.

This video is safe for viewing in the workplace.

This is learning, so, sit back and enjoy

A Definition of Rolling Wave Planning

Rolling Wave Planning is an iterative planning approach where we plan near-term project activities in detail, and give less detail to our plans of work further in the future.

Then, as we move through the schedule, we progressively elaborate on the details of each chunk of work.

The Structure of Rolling Wave Planning

A typical structure might be to plan the next month or two in great detail, and the following months in outline. Then, successive periods beyond, say, 6 months, will be represented by no more detail than a strategy plan or roadmap.

So, for example, in Work Breakdown Structure terms, we might plan:

• Near term in detail
• Mid-term by identifying work packages
• Long-term as workstreams or work package clusters

Your WBS will then evolve as you fill out the details.

The Rolling Wave Planning Process

The rolling wave planning process is simple:

• We start with our outline strategy plan or roadmap
• Next, we work with the team to determine the areas of f work that we will do in the near term
• For the first wave, we put the detail on our plans for that first increment of work, and also identify what the second wave will be and sketch out the broad themes or work packages we’ll deliver and the key milestones we will work to
• Teams work on the first wave activities and we manage this as with any project, keeping their work to budget and schedule, while monitoring the quality of their deliverables. We track performance through to the end of that increment.

We then plan the second wave in detail, and identify the work packages and milestones for the subsequent wave.

And so on…

Rolling Wave Planning and Agile

Let no one tell you otherwise: rolling wave planning is an adaptive approach to project delivery. As with other aspects of agile project management approaches, it allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and new knowledge. Yet it is very much a part of the predictive project management toolset.

And it is great for dealing with predictive project delivery in contexts of high uncertainty, changing requirements, or a lack of clarity that only time will be able to resolve.

Rolling wave planning puts the lie to any idea that there is a hard boundary between predictive and agile project management.

But why bother with the mid-term or long-term planning at all?

This is a question that some Agilists might ask.

Rolling wave planning allows us to identify the broad scope of the project. This gives team members the big picture of what we are asking them to do, so they can see their immediate work in its context. This makes for better decision-making, more buy-in, and greater motivation.

Recommended Videos to Help with Planning

Carefully curated video recommendations for you:

• Project Planning Process – How to Build Effective Project Plans | Video
• How to Use Machine Learning in Project Estimating, Scheduling, & Planning
• Building a Project Plan – Conversation with Kristina Kushner | Video
• The Key Deliverable of Your Project Plan | Video
• What is Milestone Planning? | Video

Recommended Articles to Help with Planning

• Planning Performance Domain: How to Plan a Solution to Meet Your Goals
• Project Planning Process: Navigate the Many Steps You Need
• 12 Project Planning Mistakes… and How to Fix Them
• Capabilities-Based Planning: A Full Primer for Better Project Definition
• How to Restore Order: Your Ultimate Guide to Project Replanning

What Kit Does a Project Manager Need?

I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. I added my own. 

Check out the Kit a Project Manager needs

Note that the links are affiliated.

Learn Still More

For more great Project Management videos, please subscribe to the OnlinePMCourses YouTube channel.

If you want basic Management Courses – free training hosted on YouTube, with 2 new management lessons a week, check out our sister channel, Management Courses.

For more of our Project Management videos in themed collections, join our Free Academy of Project Management.

For more of our videos in themed collections, join our Free Academy of Project Management.