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Now, let's define 2

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the planning level solution definition. 3

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Now that we have the requirements in hand, 4

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in order to provide the core project team 5

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with enough information to plan the project, 6

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it is helpful to define a top-level solution definition, 7

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usually based on a conceptual solution from the charter. 8

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For example, it could be an architecture diagram, 9

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a floor plan layout, a building model in software, 10

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a physical mock-up, et cetera. 11

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Or otherwise, just a listing. 12

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For example, the subject areas that must be covered 13

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in a policy manual, or a list 14

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of the major deliverables to be delivered to the customer. 15

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This is not the detailed design. 16

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The purpose of planning is only 17

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to estimate the project plus or minus ten percent, 18

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to obtain sponsor feedback and approval before you start 19

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so any detailed work should be done by the full team 20

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only after the plan in approved. 21

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The solution definition should just provide 22

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enough information on the end product, service, or result 23

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that the core team can plan the rest of the project 24

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and figure out what is required to produce it. 25

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So, for example, for an integrated health information 26

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system project, the planning level solution definition 27

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could be a top-level system architecture diagram, 28

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showing the major components of hardware, 29

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system software, applications, networks and messaging. 30

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For a department processing improvement project, 31

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the solution definition could be a list 32

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of the major required deliverables, 33

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including updated process documents, updated floor plans, 34

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and any new furniture and equipment. 35

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For a new local soccer league, the solution definition 36

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could be just a list of the required major deliverables 37

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including governing procedures, playing field identification 38

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equipment, referees, and perhaps some initial teams.