Planningwhile

Planningwhile is a planning approach in which planning activities run in parallel with execution. Unlike traditional sequential planning, planningwhile treats planning as an ongoing process that informs and is informed by action. In dynamic or uncertain environments, teams begin implementing core elements of a plan while refining objectives, tasks, and resource allocations as new information becomes available.

Origins and use: The term planningwhile is used in management and organizational studies to describe practices in agile, lean, and concurrent engineering contexts. It is often associated with rolling-wave planning, adaptive planning, and sense-and-respond strategies. Applications appear in software development, product development, emergency response, and robotics where environmental feedback rapidly changes priorities.

Key features include continuous feedback loops, time-boxed iterations, a prioritized backlog, and decision rights that empower frontline teams to adjust plans without waiting for a full formal revision. Planningwhile relies on lightweight governance, high transparency, and robust information flow. Common techniques include iterative backlog refinement, stand-up meetings, real-time risk assessment, and scenario planning.

Critiques note potential for scope creep, information overload, and coordination overhead. Success depends on clear roles, reliable communication channels, and disciplined change management. When well-implemented, planningwhile can improve adaptability and reduce latency between discovery and action.