W

ork Plan Template Examples PRD Tool

The purpose of the Work Plan Template is to break down the goal setting process into smaller, more actionable steps. This template helps with outlining
what is needed to accomplish each goal (collaboration, resources, due date or frequency, anticipated obstacles and solutions). The goals can be listed first
and then ranked in order of priority in the 1st far left column. Two examples of a completed work plan for one goal are included below.
REMEMBER:

Use SMART goal setting: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Trackable & Time Bound

Ensure that goals are linked to one of the 4 R.H. Smith School of Business strategic goals, in addition to the departments strategic plan
and goals.

Track progress made throughout the year to stay on target with both work and professional development goals.

WORK PLAN TEMPLATE EXAMPLE #1

Rank
#
1.

Goal & Sub Tasks

Collaboration
Needs

Goal
To be more organized
and help department
stay on budget by
reconciling receipts and
expenses monthly and
annually.

Each staff member

gives me receipts
and expense report
using university and
Smith School policy
copies by the 3rd
Tuesday of each
month.

Sub Tasks
Create budget binder
with tabs for each
member of the
department.

Resource Needs

Date Due
or
Frequency

Binder, tabs, ruler,

marker, Excel
spreadsheet.

4th Tuesday
of each
month.

Time during a
department meeting to
review the budget
categories and process
with the staff.

Complete
binders by
6/3/11.

Anticipated
Obstacle
Not receiving
expense reports
and receipts on
time from staff
members.

Review expenses from

last year to agree upon
budget categories.
Create a tab for each
department member.
Develop Excel
spreadsheet with budget
categories.

Page 1 of 3

Human Resources & Organization Effectiveness m. miller 4-6-11

Solution

Set up electronic
reminder on
calendars for
each staff
member for the
Thursday prior
and on the due
date.

Progress Made

WORK PLAN TEMPLATE EXAMPLE #2

Rank
#
2.

Goal & Sub Tasks

Goal
Organize all
communication for biannual conference.
Sub Tasks
List all points of
communication or
various tools needed,
including direct email,
social media, Smith
School and U of MD
websites, etc. Review
list with supervisor to
uncover any gaps.
Create a timeline for
getting communication
written, approved, and
sent out.
Develop core list of
potential participants
listed by audience.
Determine how we will
evaluate the
effectiveness of the
communication.

Collaboration
Needs

Resource Needs

Date Due
or
Frequency

Confirm MarComs
timeframe for
brainstorming,
reviewing, and
helping implement
communication plan.

Request to be put on
department meeting
agenda to get
feedback on
communication
strategy and schedule
period check-ins with
department.

Phase I:
Complete
and present
initial plan
by July 1,
2011.

Determine various
departments to
partner with on
generating
participant lists and
interest to promote
conference and
determine how
much lead time is
needed to get list.
Learn about
conference content,
tagline, and key
speakers from going
to conference
committee
meetings. Ask for
the subject,
communication to
be put on all
conference
committee agendas.

Set up recurring
meetings with
committee members
to continue to inform
committee on progress
of communication
strategy and to ask for
their ideas.
Budget for signage
and formal thank you
notes.

Phase II:
Edit plan by
August 5,
2011
Phase III:
Implement
plan from
October 7
February 3,
2012.
Phase IV:
Evaluate
plan by
March 2,
2012.

Anticipated
Obstacle
Not receiving
various lists on
time from
colleagues.

Solution

Put together one

page, Whats in
it for my
colleagues to
participate list
and provide easy
to use format for
generating list.
Ask colleagues
what obstacles
they face in
producing the
participant list to
be proactive in
removing
obstacles.
Send electronic
reminder 1 week
& 3 days before
deadline. Follow
up in person, if
needed.

Share
results by
the end of
March.

Human Resources & Organization Effectiveness m. miller 4-6-11

Page 2 of 3

Progress Made

WORK PLAN TEMPLATE

Rank
#

Goal & Sub Tasks

Collaboration
Needs

Resource Needs

Date Due
or
Frequency

Anticipated
Obstacle

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Human Resources & Organization Effectiveness m. miller 4-6-11

Page 3 of 3

Solution

Progress Made