PESTLE Analysis

This is a framework which can be used to gather and analyse key external themes and factors that can affect and influence the operational success of an organisation and be used to help formulate strategic decisions and planning. The analysis can be initiated using a matrix, with block headings being the theme; external factors to reflect on; how each factor might affect and influence the organisation; and the relative importance of each factor to the organisation, which can often be rated, Low / Medium / High, or a scale of 1 to 5, or similar. External factors, which can forma question f

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  Pitch Grading Framework

A standards-based framework, which evolved from the former PQS framework, and which provided a basis and benchmark on which to maintain and manage sports surfaces, ensuring a minimum level of safety is maintained at all times. The framework has been developed by numerous Governing Bodies of Sport in the UK as well as the GMA, was initially developed in 2018 and after various refinements was ready in 2021 but was then superseded by the Grounds Management Framework in 2023. It had five performance grades for pitches / surfaces (numbered 1 to 5) and one inadequate level (0). • Grade / Level 5: E

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  Pitch Playability

Weather and the current surface conditions affect whether a pitch is playable and the likelihood that a game will need to be postponed or cancelled due to the current pitch ground conditions. A range of variables will influence playability and a rating scale, a 'Pitch Playability Rating', could be introduced to determine overall playability. The variables might include:

  Pitch Protection Sheet

A sheet, or strips of sheet, which can be laid over a sports pitch to provide protection from rain or ground frost and can also be used to aid seed germination. Also called a Ground Cover Sheet.

  Plan-Do-Check-Act

This is a management method which is used for the continuous improvement in products and processes; it is also called the Deming cycle or wheel, amongst other names and is often shortened to its acronym of PDCA. Plan: Identify the aims and objectives and represent these in a requirements document which objectively describes and defines what is to be achieved. Identify an opportunity for improvement and create a plan to achieve the desired outcomes, typically using SMART objectives. Do: Implement the plan using best working practices. Refinements or changes to procedures and processes mig

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  Planning Fallacy

The underestimation of the time needed to complete a project or programme of works. There are many variables which can impact on a planned programme of works: especially by being too optimistic on the timings; the impact of external factors – for example the weather, supply issues, reliance on external contractors; less efficient machinery or machinery breakdowns and malfunctions; changing staff motivations or availability due to illness, holidays, new training requirements, leaving employment, skills of newly recruited staff, abilities of agency staff, tiredness, being over-worked; prediction

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  Plant Protection Product

A pesticide that protects crops, or desirable or useful plants. The term 'Pesticide' is often used interchangeably with 'Plant protection product', however, pesticide is a broader term that also covers non-plant or non-crop uses, for example biocides.

  Play Lines

The line markings which are used to define the particular sport being played. This might be permanent lines which are either created as part of the carpet at the factory during the manufacturing of the carpet, or narrow strips (typically 100mm in width) of lines which are laid into the carpet onsite, especially for 3G surfaces. They can also be non-permanent lines which are marked out on the surface using a line marking item of equipment.

  Plummer

A measure of the speed of a croquet lawn. It is the length of time, in seconds, taken by a croquet ball which has been struck by a mallet to travel 32 metres before stopping. As a general guide <10 seconds = on the slow side; 10 ¯ 11 seconds satisfactory; 12 ¯ 13+ seconds = fast.

  Policy

A description which might vary from providing guidance on the overall aim and purpose of an activity and how this might be achieved through to a statement of principle or vision. A policy might be a detailed description or just a general outline of a desired outcome, whilst the guidance included within the policy might be objective and well-defined, or subjective and open to wide interpretation in how it might be achieved. A business policy will typically be implemented through the use of written processes and procedures, which provide the operational direction needed to achieve the desired policy.