What is a planning assumption?

A planning assumption is defined as a condition taken as true for planning purposes. This involves acknowledging certain factors that are expected to remain constant or valid throughout the planning process, which enables project planners to create schedules, budgets, and plans based on these assumptions. These conditions might include aspects like resource availability, regulatory requirements, or the performance of specific technologies.

By establishing these assumptions, project teams can develop a structured approach to the project, allowing them to estimate performance and resource needs accurately. While forecasts, estimates, and identified risks play important roles in project management, they do not capture the essence of a planning assumption, which uniquely serves as the foundational beliefs guiding the planning process.