Schedules: Introduction
USES & TYPES OF SCHEDULES DEFINED
In Chapter 3 project scheduling is defined as: “The process of converting a general or outline plan for a project into a time-based schedule based on available resources and time constraints.”
As the definition implies, a project schedule is not only used for listing project activities. There are various factors influencing the specific time an activity can be executed, and that is represented by the mention to “resources and time constraints” above. Since the activities are each represented in a specific time window, it is an ideal tool to plan resources and related issues – like housing, procurement and safety. Many times, the time windows of activities are driven by these very factors. This is why scheduling software packages provide the functionality to plan and control project resources, activities of contractors and sub-contractors, and timely visits by consultants and management personnel – each in their own time window. Project planning teams, in this modern era, cannot plan effectively without using suitable project scheduling software and the services of a Project Planner.
QUESTIONS COVERED
- Spot the discrepancy in the following statement: “Project Scheduling is the process of converting a general or outline plan for a project into a time-based schedule without taking resources into account”.
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INCLUDED IN THIS CHAPTER: Introduction to scheduling, the importance of scheduling, Use the schedule to forecast dates for project completion and other milestones, The schedule displays the sequence of activities, Use the schedule to plan resources, Use the schedule to control contractors, Use the schedule to do procurement planning, Use the schedule as an effective project control tool, Use the schedule to control the critical path, Use the schedule to manage risk, Use the schedule to manage cost, Create an as-built record, Schedule types, Tender schedule, Development schedule, Detailed project schedule, Milestone schedule, Baseline schedule, As-built schedule, Schedule types, Development stages of a project schedule, Research, Developing the WBS, Creating the draft schedule, Stakeholder workshops, Schedule verification, Schedule sign-off, Schedule inputs, Scope document, Drawings, Site Visits, Statutory regulations, Process flow diagrams (PFD), Resource pool information, Site Characteristics, Safety Requirements, Environmental Requirements, Equipment lists, Work packages, Procurement Packages, Generic duration calculations, Information from role players, Execution strategy information, Applicable procedures and policies, Schedule database basics, Activity start and finish dates, Baseline start and baseline finish dates, The “level” of a schedule, Scheduling during different project phases, The PMBOK, Scheduling rules for project phases, Scheduling software, P6, MSP, CCS Candy, Sciforma, Other software, Schedule integration, Schedule integration with other project schedules, Schedule integration with the WBS, Schedule integration with the budget, Schedule integration with other documentation