5 5 Develop Schedule
Develop Schedule Explained
Develop Schedule is a critical process in project management that involves creating a detailed project schedule. This process ensures that the project timeline is realistic and achievable, taking into account all identified activities, their durations, dependencies, and resource requirements. Here, we will delve into five key concepts of Develop Schedule: Schedule Network Analysis, Critical Path Method, Schedule Compression, Resource Optimization, and Schedule Baseline.
1. Schedule Network Analysis
Schedule Network Analysis involves creating a graphical representation of the project activities and their interdependencies. This analysis helps in understanding the sequence of activities and identifying the critical path, which is the longest sequence of activities that determines the shortest possible project duration.
Example: For a construction project, a network diagram might show that "Lay Foundations" must be completed before "Erect Structures," and "Install Utilities" must be done after "Erect Structures." This visual representation helps in identifying the critical path and managing project timelines.
2. Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method is a technique used to determine the sequence of activities that directly impact the project completion date. The critical path is the longest path through the project network diagram, and any delay in these activities will directly affect the project duration.
Example: In a software development project, the critical path might include activities such as "Design User Interface," "Develop Backend Logic," and "Test Application." If any of these activities are delayed, the entire project will be delayed.
3. Schedule Compression
Schedule Compression involves techniques used to shorten the project duration without reducing the project scope. Common techniques include crashing (adding more resources to critical activities) and fast tracking (performing activities in parallel that were originally planned in sequence).
Example: For a marketing campaign, schedule compression might involve adding more team members to tasks like "Create Social Media Posts" and "Design Email Templates" to complete them faster. Alternatively, fast tracking might involve starting "Execute Campaign" while "Design Posters" is still in progress.
4. Resource Optimization
Resource Optimization involves balancing the demand for resources with the available supply to create a more efficient project schedule. Techniques include resource leveling (smoothing out resource usage over time) and resource smoothing (adjusting activities to avoid resource conflicts).
Example: In a construction project, resource optimization might involve scheduling "Install Utilities" during periods when fewer workers are needed for other tasks, ensuring that all resources are utilized efficiently without overloading any single resource.
5. Schedule Baseline
The Schedule Baseline is a component of the project management plan that includes the approved project schedule. It serves as a reference point for measuring and controlling schedule performance throughout the project lifecycle. The schedule baseline is established during the Develop Schedule process.
Example: For a software development project, the schedule baseline might include a detailed Gantt chart showing the start and end dates for each activity, along with dependencies and milestones. This baseline ensures that all team members are aligned and working towards the same timeline.