Knowledge Sharing Pattern Language

Problem	A project manager can not start proper project progress follow-up, because she/he does not have defined tasks nor a schedule for comparison with the current status.
Initial Context	A new project starting or just started.
Roles	A Project Manager managing the project and Project Team Members implementing the project.
Forces	Project Manager should constantly know what the real status of a project is compared to project objectives and plans. Without this knowledge managing a project would be like driving in a dense fog. Risks should affect the planning and the project management later. If bigger changes take place, it might be wise to revise the plan. If it is clear that many changes will occur during a project, the plan should be looked through periodically and planning the early steps in more detail than the later steps. The team needs to be motivated and committed to implement the project in the best possible way.
Solution	To have adequate understanding about what is required in the project and what is the "baseline" to be used when evaluating the current work status, do the following: Assure that Shared Understanding (KSP05) regarding the results exist with the customer. Define tasks (preferably together with the team) based on the requirements (see also: Created Skeleton, KSP08). Define risks related to the tasks and the whole project. Define schedule for the tasks (preferably together with the team). Plan the highest risk tasks to be implemented as early as possible. Initiate commitment & Commit to tasks and schedule. Have commitment from the team. Be prepared to change the plan if a commitment is not received. Initiate risk management procedures in the project. In addition, some kind of formal approval is required for the project plan.
Resulting Context	A Project Manager running a project having clearly defined tasks and schedule to base the progress follow-up on. First risk identification is implemented and risk management actions are initiated. The project team has committed to the implementation of the project as planned. The project manager understands that when changes occur, it is possible to revise the project if required.
Instances	The Schedule Baseline should be created in the beginning of a project and always when bigger changes requiring revision take place. One potential pitfall is forgetting that a project plan has been made. The project starts following the plan, but when changes happen the plan is not updated anymore and can not support the project implementation and the progress follow-up.
Process Connection	Project Management process, establishment.