Suite of Programmes in the Planning Hierarchy
On any project a comprehensive suite of programmes should be established as soon as the project commences. This should be achieved as early as possible in the pre-construction phase to achieve optimum programme and progress control throughout the duration of the project.
The planning hierarchy matrix illustrates the varying levels of programmes produced and shows the degrees of information that accompanies each level of programme such as method statements, drawings etc.
![](https://harveyplanningconsultancy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EVA.jpg)
An organizational structure carries inherent capabilities as to what can be achieved within its frame.”
The planning hierarchy matrix illustrates the varying levels of programmes produced and shows the degrees of information that accompanies each level of programme such as method statements, drawings etc. Ideally on any project a comprehensive suite of programmes should be established as soon as the project commences.
This should be achieved as early as possible in the pre-construction phase to achieve optimum programme and progress control throughout the duration of the project.
![](https://harveyplanningconsultancy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/planningheirarchy.png)
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is worthless - unless there is first a strategic vision”.
Overall Strategic Planning Level 1
The level 1 overall strategic programme generally shows summary activities for the key disciplines of Client briefing, project strategy, design, cost planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover, and occupation.
This programme will also identify key project milestones and will generally consist of between 30 and 50 activities and act as the executive control document for Client/Employer reporting in the exceedingly early stages.
This level of programme will be seamless with the level 2 Master Programme and will change during the project as fuller information becomes available.
![](https://harveyplanningconsultancy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/OSP1.png)
Master Programme Level 2
Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable”.
The level 2 master programme is a summary for Design (all disciplines), procurement and construction. This programme is complimentary to the level 1 programme and may eventually consist of 75/100 activities and is the Project Manager’s control document.
The Master Programme will consider the Outline Method Statement and Logistic Plans. This level of programme will be seamless with the level1 Overall Strategic Programme and will change during the project as fuller information becomes available and the level 3 Working Programmes have been produced by the Project Management team.
The level 2 master programme will normally be produced during stages 2 & 3 of the RIBA process but not concluded until all sub-contractor programmes are received and confirmed.
![](https://harveyplanningconsultancy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MPL2.png)
It is easier to build a Master Plan than to repair a damaged project”
Working Programme Level 3
The level 3 working programmes generally show the individual detailed programmes for each discipline, elemental construction programmes and contract programmes.
The level 3 programmes are seamless with the level 1 & 2 Programmes and at this stage look at details such as detailed Method Statements & Floor Sequence Diagrams.
![](https://harveyplanningconsultancy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WPL3.png)
A Project is complete when it starts working for you, rather than you are working for it”.
Detailed Construction Programmes - Level 4
The Level 4 detailed construction programmes prepared by the Sub - Contractor(s) covering all aspects of work for each element of construction (design, manufacture, and installation).
The above procedure helps to establish a clear Work Breakdown Structure for the project. This level of Programme is seamless with the level 1, 2, & 3.
At this point all programmes change to reflect fuller and final Information.
![](https://harveyplanningconsultancy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DCP4.png)
The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining."
John F. Kennedy