4 Project Time Management - 4 Project Time Management
Project Time Management is a critical aspect of project management that ensures the project is completed within the defined schedule. It involves a series of processes that help plan, estimate, schedule, and control the project timeline to meet the project's objectives.
Key Concepts
1. Activity Definition
Activity Definition involves identifying and documenting the specific actions required to produce the project deliverables. This process breaks down the project work into smaller, more manageable tasks. The output of this process is a list of activities that will be used to develop the project schedule.
Example: In a construction project, activity definition might include tasks such as site preparation, foundation laying, framing, and roofing. Each of these tasks is a discrete activity that contributes to the overall project completion.
2. Activity Sequencing
Activity Sequencing involves identifying and documenting the relationships between project activities. This process determines the order in which activities need to be performed to ensure the project progresses smoothly. Dependency relationships, such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish, are established during this process.
Example: For a software development project, activity sequencing might dictate that coding cannot begin until the design phase is complete. Similarly, testing activities must follow the coding phase. These dependencies are mapped out to create a logical flow of work.
3. Activity Duration Estimating
Activity Duration Estimating involves estimating the number of work periods required to complete individual activities. This process uses historical data, expert judgment, and other estimating techniques to determine the time required for each activity. Accurate duration estimates are crucial for developing a realistic project schedule.
Example: In an engineering project, the duration of an activity like "Design Review" might be estimated based on past projects and the complexity of the current design. If similar reviews took 5 days in the past, the estimate for the current project might be adjusted based on the current scope and team capacity.
4. Schedule Development
Schedule Development involves integrating the project activities, dependencies, and duration estimates to create a comprehensive project schedule. This process uses scheduling tools and techniques, such as Gantt charts, critical path method (CPM), and program evaluation and review technique (PERT), to visualize and manage the project timeline.
Example: For a manufacturing project, the schedule development might involve creating a Gantt chart that shows the start and end dates of each manufacturing activity, along with their dependencies. The critical path, which represents the longest path of dependent activities, would be highlighted to identify the key milestones and potential bottlenecks.
5. Schedule Control
Schedule Control involves monitoring the project schedule to ensure it stays on track and making adjustments as necessary. This process includes tracking progress against the schedule, identifying variances, and implementing corrective actions. Effective schedule control ensures that the project meets its deadlines and objectives.
Example: In a project to build a new facility, schedule control might involve weekly progress meetings to review the current status against the Gantt chart. If a delay is identified in the "Site Preparation" activity, the project manager might reallocate resources or adjust the schedule to mitigate the impact on the overall project timeline.