5W2H Action Plan

Description

This template organizes project actions in a grid layout based on the 5W2H methodology. Each row represents a specific task or objective, and each column captures one of the seven dimensions—clarifying purpose, location, timeline, ownership, methods, cost, and status. It supports multiple action entries and calculates overall project progress using visual badges for both completion percentage and current status.

Drop-down options for task status (To do, Doing, Done, Waiting) and automatic formatting for color-coded fields help prioritize actions and drive accountability across departments. It's particularly useful for operational excellence programs like lean management, Six Sigma, and Kaizen.

Key Data Stored

• What – The action to be completed (e.g., “Reduce production cost by 10%”)
• Why – The rationale behind the action (e.g., “Production costs equal 80% of total cost”)
• Who – Person responsible for executing the task (assignable user field)
• When – Target date for completion (date picker)
• Where – Location or department where the action takes place (e.g., “Inbound Logistics”)
• How – The method of execution (e.g., “By conducting cost analysis and implementing Kaizen”)
• How Much – Estimated cost or budget allocation (e.g., “$7,500 per department”)
• Status – Task stage using a dropdown with options like “To do,” “Doing,” “Done,” and “Waiting”
• Progress Badge – Displays overall project completion as a percentage
• Department, Owner, Team Members – Optional fields for cross-departmental collaboration

Business Use Cases

• Project Management – Breaks projects into clearly defined steps with assigned ownership
• Operational Efficiency – Supports lean initiatives such as cost reduction, process improvement, or quality control
• Team Collaboration – Aligns cross-functional teams with shared visibility on objectives
• Kaizen & Continuous Improvement – Captures small, iterative improvement tasks across departments
• Status Tracking – Ensures tasks are monitored from planning through execution

Why This Template is Powerful

• Clarity through Structure – Each question in the 5W2H framework prompts thoughtful planning
• Visual Status Indicators – Task statuses are color-coded to help teams focus on progress
• Progress Calculation – A built-in badge keeps all stakeholders aligned on current completion percentage
• Flexible and Scalable – Can manage one task or an entire improvement program
• Collaborative by Design – Supports team-based task ownership and shared visibility

This template brings discipline and visibility to planning, helping teams break down goals into clear, measurable, and actionable components while driving alignment and execution.