Planningfout

Planningfout is a Dutch term used in project management to describe a planning error or flaw that leads to suboptimal outcomes. It covers inaccuracies in scope definition, estimates, sequencing, and resource allocation, often arising from optimistic assumptions, incomplete information, or insufficient stakeholder involvement. Planningfout can occur at any planning stage, from the initial project charter to detailed schedules, and is typically revealed when milestones slip, budgets overrun, or deliverables fail to meet requirements.

Common causes include cognitive biases such as the planning fallacy, pressure to commit to deadlines, shifting requirements, and unmanaged dependencies. Organizational factors like unclear decision rights, siloed teams, and limited access to data can also contribute. Inadequate risk assessment and poor estimation methods frequently play a central role, as do changes in external conditions or technology.

The consequences of planningfout can be significant, ranging from delays and cost overruns to quality issues and extensive rework. It can erode stakeholder confidence and increase the likelihood of scope creep as teams compensate for initial underestimates. In agile environments, planningfout may appear as incomplete backlog refinement, insufficient sprint planning, or a failure to adapt plans to evolving priorities.

Prevention and mitigation focus on improving planning discipline: thorough requirements gathering and validation, robust risk management, and transparent estimation methods. Techniques such as rolling-wave planning, buffers or contingency reserves, regular plan reviews, and iterative re-planning help teams adjust to new information. Learning from completed work through post-project reviews can reduce the recurrence of planningfout in future initiatives.