5 1 Plan Schedule Management
5.1 Plan Schedule Management Explained
Plan Schedule Management is a critical process in project management that involves creating a schedule management plan. This plan outlines how the project schedule will be defined, developed, monitored, controlled, and validated. It ensures that the project team and stakeholders understand the timing and sequencing of project activities, thereby facilitating effective project execution and control.
Key Concepts
1. Schedule Management Plan
The Schedule Management Plan is a subsidiary plan of the project management plan. It provides detailed guidance on how to manage the project schedule throughout its lifecycle. This plan includes procedures for defining the schedule, developing the schedule model, monitoring the schedule, and controlling changes to the schedule.
Example: For a construction project, the schedule management plan might include guidelines for defining the project schedule, such as specifying the start and end dates for each phase of construction. It would also outline how changes to the schedule will be managed, such as requiring approval from a steering committee for any significant delays.
2. Schedule Model
The Schedule Model is a representation of the project schedule that includes the schedule activities, their dependencies, and the sequencing of these activities. It helps in visualizing the project timeline and understanding the critical path, which is the sequence of activities that determines the minimum project duration.
Example: In a software development project, the schedule model might include a Gantt chart that shows the start and end dates for each development phase, such as "Requirements Gathering," "Design," "Development," and "Testing." The critical path in this model would highlight the activities that, if delayed, would push back the entire project timeline.
3. Schedule Baseline
The Schedule Baseline is a component of the project management plan that includes the approved project schedule model and the corresponding schedule network diagrams. It serves as a reference point for measuring schedule performance and managing schedule changes. The schedule baseline is established during the Plan Schedule Management process.
Example: For a marketing campaign, the schedule baseline might include the project schedule model, which outlines the timeline for activities such as "Campaign Planning," "Content Creation," and "Execution." This baseline ensures that all team members have a clear understanding of the project's timeline and can monitor progress against it.
4. Schedule Control
Schedule Control involves managing changes to the project schedule. It ensures that any changes to the schedule are properly evaluated, approved, and implemented. Effective schedule control helps prevent delays and ensures that the project stays on track.
Example: For a construction project, schedule control might involve a change control process where any proposed changes to the project schedule are reviewed by a change control board. The board evaluates the impact of the changes on the project timeline, budget, and quality, and decides whether to approve or reject the changes.
5. Schedule Monitoring
Schedule Monitoring involves tracking the project's progress against the schedule baseline. It helps in identifying any deviations from the planned schedule and taking corrective actions to keep the project on track. Monitoring the schedule ensures that the project stays aligned with its objectives and constraints.
Example: In a software development project, schedule monitoring might involve regular status meetings where the project team reviews the progress of each development phase. If any phase is behind schedule, the team can discuss potential solutions, such as reallocating resources or adjusting the scope, to get back on track.