Notes on Rolling Wave Planning

Introduction

Definition: Rolling wave planning is an iterative planning approach.
- Focuses on detailed planning of near-term project activities.
- Less detail is provided for future activities.

Typical Structure:
- Plan the next 1-2 months in detail.
- Subsequent months (3-6 months) in less detail.
- Future months (beyond 6-9 months) have minimal detail, often just a strategic plan or roadmap.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
- Near-term: Detailed plans on an activity-by-activity basis.
- Mid-term: Work package level detail.
- Long-term: Broad overview of activities on a workstream basis.

Start with Outline: Begin with an outline project strategy or roadmap.
Identify Work Areas: Collaborate with the team to determine immediate work areas to address.
Detail First Wave: Detail plans for the first increment.
Identify Second Wave: Begin identifying broad themes or work packages for the second increment.
Manage First Wave: Focus on schedule, budget performance, and quality of deliverables.
Track Performance: Monitor progress through to the end of the increment.
Plan Second Wave: As the first wave concludes, plan the second wave in detail based on learnings.
Sketch Third Wave: Develop a broad picture for the third wave.

Rolling wave planning is adaptive, allowing adjustments to new circumstances.
It is compatible with predictive project management, especially in contexts of high uncertainty.
Predates formal agile methodologies, showing that distinctions between predictive and agile are not hard.

Provides a broad understanding of project scope.
Offers team members context for their work, enhancing problem-solving and decision-making.
Leads to better project outcomes, increased motivation, and greater buy-in from the team.

Rolling wave planning improves project delivery and success rates.
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