4.2 Define Activities - 4.2 Define Activities
Define Activities is a critical process in the Project Schedule Management knowledge area. It involves identifying and documenting the specific actions required to produce the project deliverables. This process ensures that all necessary tasks are identified and organized, facilitating effective planning and execution of the project.
Key Concepts
1. Activity Definition
Activity Definition involves breaking down the project work packages into smaller, more manageable tasks. These tasks are the specific actions that need to be performed to complete the work packages and ultimately achieve the project objectives. Activity definition ensures that all work required to complete the project is identified and accounted for.
Example: In an engineering project to design a new product, the work package "Design Component A" might be broken down into activities such as "Conduct Design Review," "Create CAD Model," and "Perform Stress Analysis."
2. Activity List
The Activity List is a comprehensive list of all activities identified during the activity definition process. It includes a description of each activity, its unique identifier, and any dependencies between activities. The activity list serves as a reference for planning, scheduling, and executing the project work.
Example: For a construction project, the activity list might include activities like "Excavate Foundation," "Pour Concrete," "Install Steel Beams," and "Erect Walls." Each activity would be listed with a brief description and any dependencies on other activities.
3. Activity Attributes
Activity Attributes provide additional information about each activity in the activity list. This includes details such as the activity's predecessors and successors, resource requirements, estimated duration, and any constraints or assumptions. Activity attributes help in creating a detailed project schedule and managing the project execution.
Example: In a software development project, the activity "Code Module X" might have attributes such as "Predecessor: Design Module X," "Resource Requirement: Senior Developer," "Estimated Duration: 5 days," and "Constraint: Must be completed before testing."
4. Milestone List
Milestones are significant events or points in the project that mark the completion of major deliverables or phases. The Milestone List identifies all key milestones in the project, providing a high-level overview of the project's progress. Milestones help in tracking the project's advancement and communicating progress to stakeholders.
Example: In an engineering project, milestones might include "Design Review Completed," "Prototype Built," "Testing Passed," and "Final Product Delivered." Each milestone would be documented with its expected completion date and any associated deliverables.
5. Rolling Wave Planning
Rolling Wave Planning is an iterative approach to project planning where detailed planning is done for the work that is upcoming in the near term, while the work further out is planned at a higher level. This method allows for flexibility and adaptability as the project progresses and more information becomes available.
Example: In a long-term construction project, detailed planning might be done for the next six months, including specific activities and schedules. For the following six months, a higher-level plan would be created, with more detailed planning done as the project progresses.