What is Plan: Definition and 195 Discussions

A plan is typically any diagram or list of steps with details of timing and resources, used to achieve an objective to do something. It is commonly understood as a temporal set of intended actions through which one expects to achieve a goal.
For spatial or planar topologic or topographic sets see map.
Plans can be formal or informal:

Structured and formal plans, used by multiple people, are more likely to occur in projects, diplomacy, careers, economic development, military campaigns, combat, sports, games, or in the conduct of other business. In most cases, the absence of a well-laid plan can have adverse effects: for example, a non-robust project plan can cost the organization time and money.
Informal or ad hoc plans are created by individuals in all of their pursuits.The most popular ways to describe plans are by their breadth, time frame, and specificity; however, these planning classifications are not independent of one another. For instance, there is a close relationship between the short- and long-term categories and the strategic and operational categories.
It is common for less formal plans to be created as abstract ideas, and remain in that form as they are maintained and put to use. More formal plans as used for business and military purposes, while initially created with and as an abstract thought, are likely to be written down, drawn up or otherwise stored in a form that is accessible to multiple people across time and space. This allows more reliable collaboration in the execution of the plan.

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  1. C

    What are the implications of Obama's space policy plan for NASA's future?

    ...does this belong here, or in like "General Discussion" or "earth" or "Astronomy" or something? Anyway: Via Open Left, Barack Obama released his plan for space policy this week and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on it. I'm not really sure how to read these things and although...
  2. T

    News Who do you plan to vote for: Obama or McCain?

    and Why of course? Also your pick for VP of your candidate? I don't like either really, I think Obama is going hurt the economy by overspending with random programs and taking needed tax cuts away from business who themselves are struggling. Not to mention his want to delay the Orion program...
  3. W

    Exploring a 3-Year BS Plan for Space Exploration

    Hi Physics Forums! I've been lurking for a couple months now and decided to post after laying out a 3-year Applied Physics BS plan. You must be thinking why three years for a BS. Well I've been in school for three years now, and have finally figured out what I want to do for the rest of my...
  4. T

    Pickens Plan -alternative energy

    "The Pickens Plan" I've started this thread because I recently heard about a billionaires plan to utilize the alternative energy resources which the United States can provide and I am interested in what other people think about it. This effort is to help solve/ drastically reduce the United...
  5. lisab

    Shape-Shifting Skyscraper Plan

    "Shape-Shifting" Skyscraper Plan Architects have revealed a plan to build a skyscraper in Dubai that changes shape: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/25/duibai.tower/index.html In the article there's a link to an animation of the building twisting around. Wow! Apartments are a...
  6. F

    News Most US doctors now support a national health plan

    No surprise to me, but in case there was still any doubt that the current for-profit situation in the US isn't working... http://www.pnhp.org/news/2008/march/most_doctors_support.php
  7. S

    Programs Creating a Degree Plan: A Student's Guide

    Degree plan! Well, i have to meet with my academic advisor next week in order to make a plan as which courses should i take up to graduation. I already made a list of the courses that i would like to take. I even tried to list them and fit in the appropriate semester, but they are not fixed...
  8. S

    Creep and Fatigue stress from power plan components

    Hi, I'm new here, and I'm not really sure where this thread goes, so please feel free to move it Homework Statement basically, I'm doing a project involving converting raw data on pressure and temperature (and time) in a power plant situation (mainly the pipes carrying the steam) here is...
  9. D

    News Will Bush's Plan Bring Peace to Israel and Palestine?

    bush wants peace between Israel and Palestine by the time he leaves office. he doesn't seem to say how he wants to get that done, but he lays out some bold expectations. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7181658.stm i think the USA has the influence to make these things a reality but...
  10. M

    Chemistry Idea for a molecular biology-based, laboratory research plan

    Hey! This is for a 4th year undergrad project in Applied Molec Bio. I need an idea for a molecular biology-based, laboratory research plan. It needs to be an "original" idea but I'm having trouble of picking one... I will not actually be performing any experiments. It will contain...
  11. L

    Can evolution theory work from a plan over generations ?

    Can evolution theory work from a "plan" over generations ? I saw something rather interresting on TV one day, I believe it was National Geographic. or something like that. The TV program was about the historical evolution and development to animals living in the sea to then develop lunghs...
  12. L

    Plan of Attack for 1st Year Math Undergraduate: Advice Requested

    Hello all. Would first like to compliment the forums - absolutely smashin. Good job. I have read quite a bit on here about suggested reading and what-not, but if you have the time, i'd appreciate any advice as to where to go from here and whether I'm heading along the right lines. Given...
  13. L

    Is This the Ultimate Prep Plan for EE School?

    here is my homework for the next 3 years math from algebra 2 to calc 1 some extra applied math discrete math extra combinations and permutations extra probability theory classical physics quantum mechanics for dummies semicondutor physics chem for dummies general chem 1 organic chem lab...
  14. Math Is Hard

    Jon Stewart's plan to end the war

    Funny stuff. Toward the end, Jon makes Condi an irresistable offer. http://throwawayyourtv.com/2007/01/condi-rice-is-single.html
  15. D

    Does Lisa Need Braces? A Guide to Dental Plans

    Lisa needs braces.
  16. JasonJo

    I plan on travelling to Montreal

    i plan on traveling to our brothers up north, Canada around the end of August. however, my passport expired 4 months ago. i have been hearing a lot of differing opinions on this: some say i don't need a passport to get into Canada at all even if I'm taking a flight. anyway, i plan on going...
  17. M

    News Why did UNSCOP create such a bad plan?

    The United Nations Special Committee on Palestine was created to end the crisis in the Middle East almost 60 years ago. The majority of the committee decided that the solution was a division of Palestine into two states, one Jewish and one Arab. The rest of the UN voted on the committee's...
  18. Ivan Seeking

    News Bush's border and illegal alien plan

    To be given in a few minutes, he will offically announce the call for National Guard troops to be sent to the border for support roles with the border patrol, but with no law enforcement directly. Now, in principle I might agree with the effort. Something has to be done. But at the same time, we...
  19. Y

    Can You Self-Study Advanced Mathematics and Physics While Working Full-Time?

    Hi. I am a mathematics major and will graduate soon in a few months time. I came into the university 4 years ago with a dream of obtaining a good degree and pursue a PhD afterwards. Unfortunately things did not go smoothly, and I basically screw my grades up because of emotional problems and all...
  20. Astronuc

    NASA NASA's FY07 budget and Strategic Plan 2006

    http://www.nasa.gov/about/budget/index.html - General budget information http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/142458main_FY07_budget_full.pdf - FY07 budget. NASA's 2006 Strategic Plan :rolleyes: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/142302main_2006_NASA_Strategic_Plan.pdf (1.5 Mb - for low bandwidth, use 'save...
  21. A

    Have you seen the hilariously bad movie, Plan 9 from Outer Space?

    I finaly got ahold of this movie yesterday and I got to say the acting in the movie is enough to make anyone naseous. The special effects are so horrid that you just can't comprehend it. I think it has taken its place as one of my favorite movies ever:tongue2: Anyone else seen this jewel...
  22. 1

    Making a lesson plan that utilizes technology

    I'm in need of making a lesson plan that utilizes technology. I can't find any good ideas. Checked out TI and NCTM's websites, to no avail. Anyone have any cool ideas or websites that would work? The lesson plan needs to use technology by means of Excel or a TI calculator.
  23. I

    Turning 16? Struggling to Plan the Perfect Party!

    WHAT to do!? I'm turning 16 on sat and I don't know what to do at my party.:cry: It's just going to be a party with mostly shy, nerdy people. I want to watch a movie, but that's about it. Any ideas?
  24. H

    Medical Scientists Bridle at Lecture Plan for Dalai Lama [NY Times]

    http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/19/national/19meditate.html?incamp=article_popular
  25. edward

    News REX 84: Examining the Secret Plan for U.S. Domestic Martial Law

    Does anyone have any current information on REX 84. I have heard that it was updated after 9/11, but with a veil of secrecy surrounding it it is difficult to find anything current. http://uweb.txstate.edu/~lf14/conspire/rex84.html
  26. I

    Uncovering the Historical Significance of Lincoln's Reconstruction Plan and More

    Hi! I am currently in a Honors US history class with a teacher who seriously pushes us to our very limits (seriously!) with his evil ID tests. These tests require us to learn about 20-30 key terms in US history starting from the beginning (1700's) each week. Right now, in week 3 we've gotten to...
  27. J

    News Bush's Plan to Go to Mars: Sealed Air Kicks Anti-Gravity Boots

    I think I finally stumbled on to Bush's bulletproof master plan to go to Mars: http://cgi.ebay.com/SEALED-AIR-KICKS-Anti-Gravity-Boots-Adult-LARGE-T231_W0QQitemZ7174915218QQcategoryZ310QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
  28. cronxeh

    Medical Preparing for an Important Exam: 6-Month Plan

    I need to prepare for a very important exam in 6 months and I'd like to start training sometime in October. If I really needed to consume a lot of information in such a short amount of time - what is the best course of action? I've outlined a few possibilities, and I'd like to know your...
  29. G

    Three-Legged Body Plan: War Of The Worlds Inspiration

    Since most, if not all, creatures on Earth have an odd number of limbs, do you think a three-legged body plan isn't very plausible? This thread was inspired by the aliens in War Of The Worlds...:smile:
  30. C

    Maximizing Efficiency with Inclined Planes: What Are the Advantages?

    Inclined Plane Advantages I have a question where I must find two advantages to using a inclined planed and I've done allot of reach on the web for hours both in french and in english and the only advantage I can find is the adviouse one of spreading the work over a longer period of time...
  31. J

    Plan of attack for showing irreducibility?

    I'm trying to show that a polynomial of two variables is irreducible over a unique factorization domain, namely the complex numbers, but I don't know where to begin. Any help is appreciated, thanks
  32. russ_watters

    News Why are older Americans so against Bush's Social Security plan?

    (or any SS reform, for that matter) Link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-02-16-young-benefits_x.htm Those are some dramatic numbers. I find it striking that even those 50-64 are in favor of it - and by a wider margin than younger people. So why is it that older people (65+) are...
  33. wasteofo2

    News The American people want to tax the rich to save SS, reject Bush's plan.

    http://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/live/2005-02-07-poll-results.htm#socsec http://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/02/08/poll.socialsecurity/index.html "More than two-thirds of 1,010 adults contacted from Friday to Sunday said it would be a good idea to limit benefits for wealthier...
  34. O

    News Is a Major Overhaul of the US Government Possible? Feedback Wanted!

    Alright, so I really shouldn't say great, because that's spin. Of course I think its great, its my plan. I can call it great in reference to its size, so be forewarned, its big. I've gradually been hammering out the loose details of a major overhaul of the U.S. Government and the way we...
  35. Tsu

    News Where is Bush's plan for peace in Iraq?

    So I got to thinking... maybe I could pull up John Kerry's plan for winning the peace in Iraq http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/national_security/iraq.html and do the same with Bush - but it was the WEIRDEST thing. I went to Bush's web page and used their search function (because I couldn't...
  36. N

    Troubleshooting Xmas Lights: Comparing Plan A & Plan B

    In ancient times (the Twentieth Century) strings of Christmas lights were wired strictly in series, so if one bulb failed, the entire string would go dark. Consider two competing troubleshooting strategies: Plan A: You start at one end of the string and test each bulb in sequence, until...
  37. P

    News Scalia's plan to relieve social tensions. Who knew?

    Supreme Court Justice and sexual rebel Antonin Scalia gave a http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=503540 last week. During the question and answer period, he offered a typically swingin' suggestion for a relaxed social life:
  38. A

    News What was the Marshall Plan and its purpose?

    Okay, the Marshall Plan has been mentioned many times recently as some sort of catch-all excuse for everything happening in the Middle East. In fact, one user (who doesn't actually know anything about the Marshall Plan) tends to simply answer everything about Iraq with "It's the Marshall Plan...
  39. B

    I have a humble plan to create a T.o.E.

    Edit. My ideas were incomplete.
  40. Dissident Dan

    Weight Loss Plan: Smoking 2 Packs/Day for Results

    I have the next new wonder-fad in weight loss: The Smoker's Weight Loss Plan(tm)! Everyone knows that smoking can make you lose weight. My plan calls for smoking at least 2 packs per day. You'll be shedding the pounds in no time! (Whether fat or muscle) Sure, it makes you stink...
  41. Evo

    New U.S. Plan for Space Exploration

    Excerpts from a news article from ABCnews.com. The president is set to announce next week that he wants to send astronauts back to the moon around the year 2013, and to make a flyby of Mars by around 2020, sources say. To help pay for the program, the sources say the Space Shuttles would...
  42. Greg Bernhardt

    Kate is helping plan her family's new patio

    Kate is helping plan her family's new patio. It will be an irregular hexagon. They will use 1-foot-square stone tiles. Here are her notes. 1. The perimeter of the deck is outlined by ABCDEF. 2. Line AB is against the house. It is 16 feet long. 3. AF is perpendicular to AB. 4.AF and BC are...
  43. D

    Finding Distance in Plan 1,2,3 & 4: Minimizing Cost

    P is 2km from Q and R lies on the perpendicular bisector at the link between P and Q and distance from P to R is 3 km. 1. Find Length for Plan 1 2. " " " Plan 2 3. " " " Plan 3 4. " " " Plan 4 5. Decide which plan would be used if minimizing the cost...
  44. Dissident Dan

    News New 3-Partitions Plan for Iraq, Limited role for UN

    Germany and France lukewarmly accepted the USA's new plan for the future of Iraq: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=131051&BCCode=BNFRONTPG&newsdate=5/3/2003
  45. T

    Ballistic Missile Defense: The $6 Billion Plan

    To Whom it May Concern: I have a concept that outlines a defense system that would protect the United States from a high percentage of ballistic missiles, whether such an assault was caused by an accidental launch, an act of terrorism or war. This concept is thought to be beyond what the...
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