Can this document be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act and state e‑signature laws when intent, consent, attribution, and retention conditions are met; use a platform that captures an audit trail and signer authentication.

Who must sign the planning study?

Signers typically include the project manager, project sponsor, and any delegated contracting authority. Confirm organizational delegation rules so signatures meet internal governance and procurement thresholds.

What if a signer uses the wrong name?

Mismatched names or titles can raise enforceability questions. Correct errors by reissuing the document for signature or capturing a signed amendment that clarifies identity and authority.

How do I update the study after approval?

Use formal change control: record the amendment, obtain the same approval level required for the original baseline, and retain both prior and amended copies for audit purposes.

Is notarization required for this study?

Not typically, unless a jurisdiction or contract specifically requires notarization for particular attachments or approvals; verify state or contract language before notarizing.

How long should signed copies be kept?

Retain the signed planning study for the project duration plus recommended post‑termination periods based on IRS, HIPAA, and industry records retention guidance to support audits or disputes.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Project Management
Project Management Planning Study

Project Management Planning Study

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLANNING STUDY

Project Identification

Project Title Project ID Client Name Client Contact (Name & Title) Service Provider Project Manager (Provider) Effective Date

Effective Date:

Scope of Work

Overview: The Service Provider shall perform a planning study to define project objectives, deliverables, schedule, resource estimates and risk mitigation strategies. The study shall include stakeholder interviews, requirements analysis, options assessment and a recommended implementation roadmap consistent with the Client's objectives.

Detailed Scope Description Out of Scope Items

Deliverables and Acceptance

Each deliverable shall be submitted in the agreed format and is subject to the acceptance procedure set forth below. Acceptance is contingent upon conformity with the deliverable description and the stated acceptance criteria.

Deliverable 1 - Title / Description Acceptance Criteria Deliverable 2 - Title / Description Acceptance Criteria Final Study Report - Acceptance Criteria

Timeline and Milestones

Project Schedule: The Service Provider shall perform the work in accordance with the schedule below. Deviations require written approval through the change order process.

Planned Start Date Planned End Date Key Milestones

Budget and Payment

Total Estimated Cost Pricing Model (select applicable)

Fixed Price Time & Materials Not-to-Exceed

Payment Schedule and Terms Invoices Submitted To

Change Control and Change Orders

All changes to scope, price, or schedule shall be documented through a written change order approved and signed by authorized representatives of both parties prior to execution. Emergency work may be initiated only upon written confirmation followed by formal change order within ten (10) business days.

Change Order Process

Confidentiality

Each party shall treat all non-public information exchanged under this study as confidential and shall not disclose such information except to those employees, contractors or advisors with a need to know and bound by obligations of confidentiality. Confidential information shall be used solely for the performance or evaluation of this planning study.

Client and Provider acknowledge and agree to the confidentiality obligations stated above.

Assumptions, Risks and Dependencies

Assumptions and Constraints Identified Risks and Mitigation Strategies

Legal and Contractual Terms

Governing Law: This planning study and any disputes arising out of it shall be governed by the substantive laws of the jurisdiction specified below, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Governing Law - Jurisdiction

Limitation of Liability: Except for willful misconduct or gross negligence, neither party shall be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential or special damages. The aggregate liability of either party for claims arising from this study shall not exceed the total fees paid under this planning study.

Termination: Either party may terminate this planning study for convenience upon providing written notice as set forth below. Termination for cause may occur where the other party materially breaches a material obligation and fails to cure within the notice period.

Notice Period for Cure (days)

Acceptance Procedure

Acceptance Process: Client will review each deliverable within a stated review period. If Client provides no written rejection within the review period, the deliverable will be deemed accepted. Rejections must specify non-conformities and the Provider shall remedy them at no additional cost where such non-conformities are Provider responsibility.

Review Period (days)

Signatures and Authorization

The undersigned represent and warrant that they are authorized to execute this Project Management Planning Study on behalf of the respective parties and that the statements and commitments herein constitute binding obligations.

Client:

By:

Title:

Date:

Service Provider:

By:

Title:

Date:

What the Project Management Planning Study Is

A Project Management Planning Study is a structured document that captures project objectives, scope, constraints, assumptions, stakeholders, resources, schedule estimates, risk identification, and high-level costs. It formalizes the planning phase by creating a baseline for decisions, approvals, and procurement, and it provides a single reference that links corporate goals to project-level deliverables and measurable milestones throughout the delivery lifecycle.

Why a Planning Study Matters for Project Outcomes

A clear planning study reduces uncertainty, aligns stakeholders, and creates an auditable baseline for scope, schedule, and budget. It supports informed procurement, reduces rework, and documents approvals that may be required for regulatory or contractual compliance, including electronic execution under ESIGN and state e‑signature laws.

Who Typically Prepares and Uses This Study

Completed studies guide procurement, change control, and periodic reviews during project execution.

Project sponsors and executives who approve scope, budget, and major constraints before execution.
Project managers and PMOs who need a single baseline for scheduling, resourcing, and risk tracking.
Procurement and legal teams who require documented scope and deliverables for contracts and bids.

Who Can Sign or Approve the Study

Jane Smith, Project Manager

Jane is responsible for drafting the planning study, coordinating inputs from stakeholders, and maintaining the baseline. She compiles schedules, resource estimates, and risk registers, and forwards the document to sponsors and procurement for review and signature when control limits require formal approval.

Carlos Rivera, Program Director

Carlos reviews scope, budget, and strategic alignment, approves funding decisions within delegated authority, and signs on behalf of the organization when the project falls within approved thresholds. He also authorizes procurement and contract execution as described in corporate governance.

Essential Sections to Include in the Planning Study

A professional planning study is concise but complete: include summaries, scope, schedule, resources, risks, and governance to make decisions traceable and defensible.

Executive Summary

One‑page overview of objectives, expected benefits, high‑level budget, and critical success factors to help executives decide whether to proceed.

Scope Statement

Clear description of included and excluded work, deliverables, interface boundaries, and acceptance criteria to reduce scope ambiguity during procurement.

Work Breakdown

Hierarchy of deliverables and major work packages with responsibility assignments and level‑of‑effort estimates tied to the schedule baseline.

Schedule Baseline

High‑level timeline with milestones, critical path assumptions, and key review gates for approval and performance measurement.

Resource Plan

Staffing, vendor roles, equipment, and preliminary cost estimates with assumptions and contingency allowances for budgeting.

Risk Register

Identified risks, probability/impact, mitigation actions, and owners to enable monitoring and change control during execution.

Step-by-Step: Complete the Planning Study

Follow these sequential tasks to prepare, review, and finalize the planning study so it can be executed and tracked during delivery.

01

Gather Inputs: Collect stakeholder requirements, existing contracts, and cost references.
02

Draft Baseline: Assemble scope, schedule, budget, and risk register into a single draft.
03

Stakeholder Review: Circulate for comments and record approvals or open issues.
04

Finalize and Approve: Capture signatures, record the effective date, and publish the controlled baseline.

Configure the Digital Review and Approval Workflow

Set up role order, authentication, and conditional routing to mirror organizational approvals and minimize signer friction.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequential with reviewer then approver; ensure correct routing.
Authentication	Email link plus optional SMS code for higher assurance.
Conditional Fields	Enable budget fields only when estimated cost exceeds threshold.
Retention Policy	Auto‑archive signed copy to records management on approval.

Typical Digital Submission and Approval Flow

A standard eSubmission streamlines routing, captures an audit trail, and stores an immutable signed copy for compliance and future audits.

Upload Document: Sender uploads the planning study and supporting exhibits.
Place Fields: Add signature, date, and conditional input fields for approvers.
Send to Signers: Distribute via email link or shared secure signing URL.
Archive Records: Store signed PDF with audit trail in records system.

Technical Requirements for eSubmission and Storage

Ensure the platform can export signed PDFs and comply with your retention and access control policies.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365 supported.
File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and editable templates.
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced signer ID.

Key Approval Milestones and Sequence

Track milestone approvals from planning kickoff to baseline sign‑off so each stage is auditable and timebound.

01

Planning Kickoff

Initiate stakeholders, confirm inputs, and set the review schedule.

02

Draft Completion

Complete the first full draft and circulate for comments and issues.

03

Stakeholder Approval

Collect formal approvals from sponsors and procurement authorities.

04

Baseline Publication

Publish signed baseline and distribute to execution teams for implementation.

Typical Internal Deadlines to Assign

Assign clear internal deadlines to avoid bottlenecks and enable timely procurement and contractor mobilization.

Stakeholder Input Window:

Allow 5–10 business days for consolidated comments.

Legal Review Period:

Reserve 3–7 business days for legal and procurement review.

Executive Approval Slot:

Schedule a 1–2 week window aligned with executive calendars.

Vendor Bid Period:

Include 2–4 weeks for solicitation and vendor responses.

Final Signatures:

Target a single day for collecting electronic approvals when possible.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

Vague scope language that creates differing expectations between stakeholders and bidders and delays procurement decisions.
Missing assumptions or constraints, causing schedule and budget estimates to be misunderstood during execution and change control.
Incorrect or inconsistent names and titles in signature blocks that can invalidate approvals or complicate vendor onboarding.
Failing to attach required exhibits such as drawings, standards, or contract templates, which leads to rework and bid clarifications.

Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Study

Contract Disputes: Ambiguous scope raises claims and litigation risk.

Schedule Delays: Incomplete baselines extend delivery and increase costs.

Budget Overruns: Poor estimates lead to unplanned expenditures.

Invalid Signatures: Missing consent or incorrect signer authority undermines enforceability.

Data Exposure: Improper storage or sharing risks breach notifications.

Regulatory Risk: Noncompliance with recordkeeping or privacy rules invites sanctions.

Security and Compliance Controls to Expect

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, AES‑256 at rest.

Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps, IP addresses, and action logs.

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 available.

HIPAA Support: BAA available for protected health information.

21 CFR Part 11: Supported controls for FDA‑regulated records.

Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA conformance.

eSignature Platform Comparison — Pricing and Key Features

Basic pricing and core capabilities vary across vendors; signNow is listed first to show its starting price and available features relative to common alternatives.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7‑day trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Real-World Examples of Planning Study Use

These examples show how organizations use a planning study to streamline approvals, integrate with systems, and maintain compliance.

Optica Ventures (COO)

Optica used a concise planning study to align stakeholders and reduce negotiation cycles.

The study centralized requirements and vendor evaluation.
As a result, the organization shortened approval time and improved customer handoffs while maintaining a single authoritative baseline for the project.

Tech Data (CEO)

Tech Data standardized planning studies across business units to accelerate contracting.

Standard templates reduced review iterations.
This approach improved internal service levels and reduced time to revenue by making approvals repeatable and auditable across the enterprise.

Best Practices for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt these practical controls to reduce rework, avoid dispute, and make signatures and approvals reliable.

Use a Standard Template

Standardized templates reduce omissions and help legal, procurement, and finance find required fields quickly, which shortens review cycles and improves traceability.

Validate Signer Authority

Confirm each signer's delegation of authority before sending; incorrect signers can invalidate approvals and require costly reauthorization steps.

Include Exhibits

Attach supporting documents such as cost breakdowns, drawings, and standards to avoid ambiguity and reduce bidder questions during procurement.

Record Audit Trail

Preserve the signed PDF and full audit trail in a records system to support future audits, disputes, or regulatory reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Practical answers to common questions about form completion, eSigning, authority, and corrections for planning studies.

Need help? Contact support

Can this document be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act and state e‑signature laws when intent, consent, attribution, and retention conditions are met; use a platform that captures an audit trail and signer authentication.
Who must sign the planning study?
Signers typically include the project manager, project sponsor, and any delegated contracting authority. Confirm organizational delegation rules so signatures meet internal governance and procurement thresholds.
What if a signer uses the wrong name?
Mismatched names or titles can raise enforceability questions. Correct errors by reissuing the document for signature or capturing a signed amendment that clarifies identity and authority.
How do I update the study after approval?
Use formal change control: record the amendment, obtain the same approval level required for the original baseline, and retain both prior and amended copies for audit purposes.
Is notarization required for this study?
Not typically, unless a jurisdiction or contract specifically requires notarization for particular attachments or approvals; verify state or contract language before notarizing.
How long should signed copies be kept?
Retain the signed planning study for the project duration plus recommended post‑termination periods based on IRS, HIPAA, and industry records retention guidance to support audits or disputes.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now