Identify and agree individual tasks

Once you've agreed the key stages of your project, you need to:

1. identify what tasks need to be done

At the 'research' stage, for example, tasks might include finding information from key texts, contacting relevant organisations, and conducting interviews with significant individuals.

Make these elements as specific as possible. For example, specify what information needs to be found - a definition of particular terms, perhaps, or details of a key methodology. Focus on the outcome of the task, so that its purpose is clear.

Break down large tasks into manageable components.

2. estimate how long each task will take to complete

3. allocate tasks to individuals. Aim to distribute workload and responsibility as fairly as possible. This may involve considerable negotiation

4. agree dates by which tasks will be done.

Further guidance on establishing a time line for tasks is given in Breaking down a task in the 'Time management' unit of this web site.

Keep a record of your decisions, such as:

Key stage	Task	Target date	Person to do it

See also Working in a group: SMART objectives.

Identify and agree individual tasks

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