Project managers must undertake two types of project planning: strategic and operational planning. In the strategic planning phase of a project, the team leader gathers the necessary information to carry out the ultimate goal. In the construction industry, these goals are typically long range and must be accomplished within a specific time frame. The long-range goal of constructing a building needs to be accomplished in a sequential manner that
will coincide with the project schedule. For example, the concrete foundation of a building must be set in place before the walls, floors, and roof are erected. With this understanding, a project team participant can perform a series of tasks that will achieve the goal through the process of operational planning. In their book, Management, the authors, Patrick Montana and Bruce Charnov explain how long-range goals set through strategic planning are translated into activities that will ensure reaching the goal through operational planning.1
The operational plan delineates the “objectives” necessary to move toward the goal. The project manager in a construction environment may request that each participant on the design team (architect, mechanical engineer, structural engineer, audio-visual consultant, information technology consultant, etc.) complete the construction documents within a specific time frame so that construction activity can commence. It is through the strategic and operational planning process that a project manager can advocate control of the project’s objective.