The Role of Organisational Planning in Meeting Deadlines for Design and Multimedia Projects

This study investigates the role of organisational planning in meeting deadlines for design and multimedia projects, where creativity and time-sensitive delivery often intersect. Drawing on Contingency Theory, Project Management Theory, the Resource-Based View (RBV), and Creative Process Theory, the research employs a qualitative case study methodology to explore planning practices across multiple design and multimedia firms. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with project managers, designers, and multimedia specialists, as well as document analysis of planning templates and schedules. The findings reveal four central themes: planning flexibility as an adaptive response to client-driven changes, strategic resource allocation to balance workloads and technological needs, communication and coordination as embedded components of planning, and the management of creative constraints within deadline-driven contexts. These themes highlight that organisational planning is not a static process but a dynamic practice that integrates structure and adaptability to ensure timely project delivery. The study concludes that effective planning in creative industries requires balancing efficiency with creativity, supported by adaptive frameworks, resource investment, and structured communication. Practical recommendations are offered for managers, while theoretical contributions extend understanding of planning within deadline-sensitive creative environments. Keywords: organisational planning, design projects, multimedia production, project management, creativity, deadlines