áætlunargerð

áætlunargerð is the process of formulating plans to guide actions and allocate resources toward a desired outcome. The term is used across sectors such as project management, software development, urban planning, and public administration. It combines the Icelandic words áætlun (plan, schedule) andgerð (making, formation), signaling its function: to design a plan that defines goals, scope, activities, timelines, and resources.

Core elements include setting objectives and success criteria; defining scope and deliverables; identifying constraints, assumptions, and dependencies; estimating required resources (time, people, money); assessing risks and outlining mitigation strategies; developing schedules with milestones and a budget; establishing governance structures, roles, responsibilities, and decision rights; and preparing communication plans for stakeholders.

Outputs of áætlunargerð typically include a project or program plan, a schedule, a budget, a risk register, and a communication plan. Planning is often iterative and can occur at multiple levels, from strategic to operational. Traditional planning aims for a comprehensive plan before execution, while agile and adaptive approaches use rolling planning, frequent reviews, and modifications as new information becomes available.

Relationship to execution and control: planning provides the basis for execution, monitoring, and control. Plan changes are managed through change control processes. The quality and realism of áætlunargerð influence performance, stakeholder alignment, and the ability to respond to uncertainty.