4.1 Plan Schedule Management - 4.1 Plan Schedule Management
Plan Schedule Management is a critical process in Project Time Management that involves creating a detailed plan for how the project schedule will be defined, developed, monitored, and controlled. This plan ensures that the project is completed on time and within the defined constraints.
Key Concepts
1. Schedule Management Plan
The Schedule Management Plan is a subsidiary plan of the overall Project Management Plan. It outlines the processes and procedures for developing, monitoring, and controlling the project schedule. This plan includes methods for defining activities, sequencing activities, estimating activity durations, and developing the project schedule.
Example: For a construction project, the Schedule Management Plan might specify that the Critical Path Method (CPM) will be used to sequence activities, and that the project schedule will be updated weekly based on progress reports.
2. Activity Definition
Activity Definition involves identifying and documenting the specific actions required to produce the project deliverables. These activities are the building blocks of the project schedule and are used to create the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Activity definition ensures that all necessary work is included in the project schedule.
Example: In a software development project, activities might include coding, testing, and documentation. Each of these activities would be broken down into specific tasks and assigned to team members.
3. Activity Sequencing
Activity Sequencing involves identifying and documenting the dependencies between project activities. This includes determining which activities must be completed before others can begin (precedence relationships) and which activities can be performed concurrently (parallel activities). Activity sequencing helps create a realistic project schedule.
Example: For a construction project, the activity of pouring the foundation must be completed before the framing of the building can begin. However, the installation of electrical wiring and plumbing can be done concurrently.
4. Activity Duration Estimating
Activity Duration Estimating involves determining the amount of time required to complete each project activity. This estimation is based on historical data, expert judgment, and the availability of resources. Accurate duration estimates are crucial for developing a realistic project schedule.
Example: In a manufacturing project, the duration of assembling a product might be estimated based on the time it took to assemble similar products in the past, adjusted for any changes in the design or production process.
5. Schedule Development
Schedule Development involves integrating the project activities, their durations, and their dependencies to create a project schedule. This schedule is typically represented in a Gantt chart or network diagram and includes milestones, deadlines, and resource allocation. The goal is to create a schedule that is achievable and aligned with the project objectives.
Example: For a software development project, the schedule might include key milestones such as the completion of coding, testing, and user acceptance testing, with specific deadlines for each milestone.
6. Schedule Control
Schedule Control involves monitoring the project schedule to ensure that the project is progressing as planned. This includes identifying any deviations from the schedule, analyzing the causes of delays, and taking corrective actions to bring the project back on track. Effective schedule control ensures that the project is completed on time.
Example: In a construction project, if the pouring of the foundation is delayed due to inclement weather, schedule control might involve rescheduling the subsequent activities, allocating additional resources, or adjusting the project timeline.