Why is the research plan pivotal to a research project?

A plan is something made with the effort to oversee a future of something. In this essence, a research plan is a plan made to oversee the possible effects and causes of the research project. When planning it is important to view and answer the SMART goals.  

Specific What will the result accomplish? Or the significance of the study?
Measurable. How will you measure whether or not the result has been reached (list at least two indicators)?
Achievable Is it possible? Have others done it successfully (sources)? Do you have the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources (as a researcher) to accomplish the results?
Results-focused What is does these results may imply?
Time-bound Is the research relevent?