THE SEVEN QUESTIONS FOR PLANNING: SIMPLIFIED

1. SITUATION

What is the background or context to the task or action at hand?

2. TASK

What have I been asked to do, or what do I need to do?

3. TIME

When must this happen? What is the deadline, if any?

4. PLACES / ASSETS

Where must this happen? What will be affected?

5. RESOURCES

What resources do I need?

6. COORDINATION / HELP

With whom may I have to coordinate? Who can provide the resources needed?

7. CHANGE / RISKS

Plan B. What might change and put the task at risk? What controls can I put in place to prevent this?

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More Info

The Combat Estimate or The 7 Questions is a robust analytical and planning process used by the British and other arm forces. They provide a simple framework to plan both strategic and tactical efforts.

A lot more context and a further simplification can be found here.