Hankesuunnitelma

Hankesuunnitelma is a document used in Finnish project management and funding processes to describe a proposed project in sufficient detail to support a decision on whether to initiate or fund it. It outlines the project’s rationale, objectives, scope, deliverables, schedule and budget, and how the work will be organized and financed. The goal is to provide a basis for evaluation, planning, and commitment by stakeholders such as an organization’s management, a public authority, or a funding body.

A typical hankesuunnitelma includes several elements. Background and need explain the problem or opportunity the project addresses and how it aligns with strategy or policy. Objectives and success criteria specify what the project aims to achieve and how results will be measured. Scope and deliverables define what will be produced; schedule and milestones outline major phases; and budget and financing cover estimated costs and sources of funding. Governance, roles, and responsibilities describe the project organization, decision points, and reporting. Risk assessment and mitigation identify potential threats and responses. Procurement plan, quality assurance, and evaluation arrangements address external procurement, quality standards, and how success will be assessed. Finally, impact, sustainability, regulatory considerations, and any dependencies are noted.

In practice, hankesuunnitelma is commonly used in public sector and grant applications in Finland. It can precede a full project plan and is often revised as more information becomes available or as funding conditions change. It provides a concise, structured basis for approval, budgeting, and subsequent planning.