A project schedule is a timeline that shows when all the project activities and deliverables are supposed to start and stop. It gives a clear order of tasks and goals to be reached and acts as a road map for the project. The project schedule helps manage resources, keep track of work, and make sure the project is done in the time frame that was planned.
For project management to go well, you need to make a detailed and realistic project plan. It gives the team a plan, lets them use their resources well, and helps them meet their project goals on time. Risks can be managed carefully and the project will be successful if the schedule is watched and controlled on a regular basis.
Here are the most important parts and things to think about when making a project schedule:
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): The project plan is based on the WBS, which breaks the project into smaller tasks called “work packages” that are easier to handle. The WBS helps figure out all the tasks that need to be done to finish the job.
2. Putting activities in order: Once the activities are known, they need to be put in order based on how they depend on each other. This means figuring out which activities can’t start or end until certain other activities are done. There are four types of dependencies: finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish.
3.Estimated length of time: Each action on the schedule is given an estimated length of time, which is the amount of time it will take to finish the activity. You can figure out how long it will take by looking at past records, asking an expert, or using other methods like Three-Point Estimation (optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely).
4.Assigning Resources: The project plan should take into account the availability and assignment of the resources that each activity needs. This includes people, tools, materials, and any other things that are needed. Because of limited resources, events may need to be scheduled differently.
5. Critical Path Method (CPM): The critical path is the longest chain of interdependent activities that shows how long it will take to finish the job as quickly as possible. It lists the tasks that must be done on time to keep the job from being late. Methods like the Critical Path Method (CPM) or Schedule Network Analysis can be used to find the critical path.
6.Milestones: Milestones are important events or deliverables in the project that mark key accomplishments or places where a decision needs to be made. They are often used as checkpoints to see how the project is going and as clear points of reference in the plan.
7.Gantt Chart: A Gantt chart is a visual representation of the project schedule that shows actions as horizontal bars along a timeline. It shows when activities start and end, how long they take, and how they rely on other activities. Gantt charts are often used to plan projects and share information.
8. Schedule Baseline: A schedule baseline is set up once the project plan is finalised. The plan baseline is used to measure and keep track of how the project is going. Any changes to the baseline plan or deviations from it should be carefully managed and controlled.
9. Controlling and keeping an eye on the schedule: Throughout the project, the schedule should be kept an eye on and changed regularly. The plan is used to track progress, and any changes or delays are found. Changes to the project scope, the supply of resources, or other factors could mean that the schedule needs to be changed.
10.Schedule Compression Techniques: If the project is behind schedule or needs to be finished quickly, schedule compression techniques like crashing (adding resources to cut down on time) or fast-tracking (overlapping tasks) can be used to speed things up. These methods help optimise the schedule while taking into account the limits of the project.
