DECA Hospitality Services Team Decision Making Practice Exam

When should project managers draft a project plan?

1. after project initiation

2. before project evaluations

3. during resource allocation

4. at project closure

The correct answer is: after project initiation

Drafting a project plan occurs after project initiation because this stage sets the foundation for all subsequent activities in project management. Once project initiation is complete, the objectives, scope, stakeholders, and potential risks are identified, allowing the project manager to outline how the project will be executed, monitored, and closed. The project plan serves as a comprehensive guide that includes timelines, resource requirements, and specific tasks that need to be accomplished. This structured approach helps ensure that all team members and stakeholders are aligned and that the project is set up for success. In contrast, drafting a project plan before evaluations or during resource allocation would be premature, as these activities rely on having a clear plan in place. Additionally, developing a project plan at closure would not serve its purpose, as planning needs to occur in the early stages to effectively guide the project from start to finish.