Enterprise / Action Plan (Leaving Cert LCVP): Revision Notes
Enterprise / Action Plan
An enterprise/action plan is a comprehensive document that outlines how you will organise and execute a specific project, event, or business activity. This core portfolio item demonstrates your ability to plan systematically, anticipate challenges, and work both independently and as part of a team.
The plan is assessed not just on the activity itself, but on how thoroughly you prepare and present your approach. You must demonstrate forward-thinking by considering every step before implementation begins.
Key capabilities demonstrated
Your enterprise plan should show that you can:
- Plan logically - organise tasks in a sensible sequence
- Anticipate requirements - identify resources, costs, risks, and timelines in advance
- Collaborate effectively - work independently and as part of a team
- Think ahead - consider potential problems and solutions
Essential structure
Your enterprise plan should include eight key sections:
1. Title and description of activity
Begin with a clear, descriptive title and brief explanation of your project. This section should immediately communicate what you plan to do and why it matters.
Example approach: "School Christmas Market - Organising a festive market in the school hall, selling handmade crafts, baked goods, and raffle tickets to raise funds for the local animal shelter."
2. Aims and objectives
Distinguish between your broad purpose (aims) and specific, measurable targets (objectives).
- Aims represent your general purpose or intention
- Objectives are specific, measurable outcomes you can evaluate
Example framework:
- Aim: To raise funds and awareness for the local animal shelter
- Objectives: Raise at least €500, attract over 100 attendees, involve at least 20 students as stallholders
3. Steps to be taken (action plan)
Create a detailed sequence of tasks with specific deadlines and named responsible individuals. This demonstrates your organisational skills and team coordination abilities.
Include concrete examples such as:
- Book venue by specific date (assign responsibility)
- Confirm participants and allocate spaces (set deadline)
- Begin advertising campaign (identify channels and timeline)
- Order materials or prizes (assign coordinator)
4. Resources needed
Categorise your resource requirements into three types:
- Physical resources - tables, chairs, display materials, equipment
- Financial resources - starting budget, petty cash, projected income
- Human resources - team members, volunteers, guest speakers
Be specific about quantities and costs where possible. Even a simple budget table showing projected income and expenses demonstrates thorough planning.
5. Timeframe
Present your timeline using a calendar or Gantt chart format that shows overlapping tasks and key milestones. This visual approach helps examiners understand your project flow.
Example timeline structure:
- Month 1: Planning and venue booking
- Month 2: Advertising and sourcing materials
- Month 3: Event execution and evaluation
6. Potential problems and solutions
Identify realistic challenges you might face and propose practical solutions. This shows forward-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Example approach:
- Problem: Poor attendance due to weather
- Solution: Increase advertising efforts and offer early-bird incentives
7. Expected outcomes
State your predicted results clearly and specifically. These should align with your objectives and be measurable.
Include quantitative targets (funds raised, participants involved) and qualitative goals (positive feedback, increased awareness).
8. Evaluation plan
Explain how you will measure success after completing your activity. This demonstrates your commitment to learning and improvement.
Consider methods such as:
- Comparing actual results to target objectives
- Collecting feedback from participants and attendees
- Reviewing financial outcomes against projections
Content requirements
Essential Elements for Success:
Successful enterprise plans must include:
- Clear, specific targets - vague goals lose marks
- Named responsibilities - show effective team organisation
- Budget details - even simple income and expense tables demonstrate financial planning
- Evidence of problem-solving - anticipate and address potential obstacles
- Realistic practicality - ensure your plan could actually be implemented
Common mistakes to avoid
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Writing in past tense - this is a before-action document
- Omitting costs or resources - incomplete planning appears unrealistic
- Listing tasks without deadlines - loses organisational marks
- Overcomplicating the project - choose something achievable within your timeframe
Assessment focus
Examiners particularly value:
- Logical sequencing of steps and tasks
- Clarity - anyone should understand your plan without explanation
- Realism - all elements must be achievable within available resources and timeframe
- Professional presentation - use headings, bullet points, and neat formatting
- Forwards thinking - anticipation of issues and preparation of solutions
Practical tips
- Choose activities with clear goals and visible end products
- Assign specific roles to team members to avoid confusion
- Keep a planning diary during development for later evaluation reference
- Make your plan visually engaging using tables, timelines, and charts
- Always obtain approval from relevant authorities early in the process
Example structure summary
Worked Example: School Bake Sale for Cancer Support
Title: School Bake Sale for Cancer Support
Aim: Raise funds and awareness
Objectives: Raise €300, sell 150+ items
Steps: Venue booking → team confirmation → advertising campaign
Resources: Tables, decorations, €50 budget
Timeline: March preparation, April execution
Problems/Solutions: Allergies addressed through clear labelling
Expected Outcome: €300-€400 raised
Evaluation: Compare funds raised to targets, collect customer feedback
Key Points to Remember:
- Your enterprise plan is a structured document showing systematic project planning
- Include all eight essential sections with specific details and measurable targets
- Demonstrate forward-thinking by anticipating problems and preparing solutions
- Use professional presentation with clear headings, bullet points, and visual elements
- Focus on realistic practicality - choose achievable projects within your resources and timeframe