‘What if’ scenario analysis is a simulation method that compares and measures the effects of different scenarios on a project schedule. It uses Schedule Network Analysis to determine the effects of various scenarios on a project schedule from delayed activities, strikes, bad weather, late resources, and other adverse situations. This analysis is used to plan […]
The To Complete Performance Index (TCPI) is a comparative Earn Value Management (EVM) metric used primarily to determine if an independent estimate at completion is reasonable. It computes the future required cost efficiency needed to achieve a target Estimate at Completion (EAC). TCPI Definition: It is a measure of the cost performance that is required
Schedule risk is the likelihood of failing to meet schedule plans and the effect of that failure. It exists in every schedule and is impossible to predict, with complete confidence, the length of time necessary to complete an activity, meet a milestone, or deliver a system. Little information exists in the early phases of a
A Schedule Network Analysis is a graphical representation of a schedule showing each sequenced activity and the time it takes to finish each one. It’s used to identify early and late start dates, as well as early and late finish dates, for the uncompleted portions of project schedule activities. This analysis also helps determine the
Step 4: Schedule Development involves the development of realistic start and finish dates for each activity. An iterative process, schedule development takes into account activity sequencing, duration estimates, resource requirements and availability, calendars that show when work can be performed, constraints, assumptions, and risk. [1] The output of this step is a set of schedules
Schedule compression, also known as time compression or schedule crashing, is a technique used in project management to shorten an already-developed schedule. This might be done to meet an updated delivery date, a new opportunity, or a schedule delay. It’s done without changing the scope of the program. Definition: Schedule compression is a project management
Step 5: Schedule Control in the Schedule Preparation process is to identify schedule variations and to manage actual changes to the developed schedules. (see Controlling Process) A schedule change control system that defines the procedures by which changes can be made should be established and integrated into the program’s overall change control system. The schedule
Resource leveling is a scheduling technique that addresses the availability of resources, usually manpower and equipment. Project personnel will modify scheduled activities to accommodate resource availability or unavailability. If resources are available only in limited quantities, they will change the timing of activities so that the most critical activities have enough resources to be completed,
Network Diagrams are a graphical portrayal of the activities and events of a project. They show how each activity relates to others in the project, the sequence of activities, and the need to perform some tasks before others. Networks also facilitate the determination of the impact of early or late starts or finishes, provide information about
Precedence Diagram Method (PDM) is a visual representation technique that depicts the activities involved in a project. It is a method of constructing a project schedule network diagram that uses boxes/nodes to represent activities and connects them with arrows that show the dependencies. It’s also sometimes called the activity-on-node (AON) method. Purpose of Precedence Diagram
A Milestone Chart focuses on planned significant events scheduled to occur at specific times in the program. Such events could be the initiation or completion of a particularly important or critical activity, equipment deliveries, reviews, or approval dates. Like the Gantt Chart, the milestone chart uses symbols imposed on a calendar to provide information about
The Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is a time-based schedule containing the networked, detailed tasks necessary to ensure successful program/contract execution. The IMS is traceable to the Integrated Master Plan (IMP), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Statement of Work (SOW), Contractor Performance Report (CPR), and Earn Value Management system (EVMS). Definition: The Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is
Microsoft Project is a schedule development program by Microsoft that allows program personnel to effectively manage their project. It graphically puts together a schedule that can be utilized by project personnel and easily collaborated with. It can also be used to determine the Critical Path, PERT Analysis, and help with earn value analysis. The
Line of Balance (LOB) is a management control process for collecting, measuring, and presenting facts relating to time (see Schedule Control), cost, and accomplishment – all measured against a specific plan. It shows the process, status, background, timing, and phasing of the project activities, thus providing management with measuring tools that help: Comparing actual progress
A Gantt chart is a schedule that shows the start/stop dates of a program’s individual activities. It uses symbols superimposed on a calendar to provide information about the original plan, the status of the activity, and any forecasted changes to the plan. There is no standard set of Gantt chart symbols. The schedule is displayed
The Critical Chain Method (CCM) is used to perform Schedule Network Analysis that considers task dependencies, limited resource availability, and buffers. It’s used to prepare the project schedule when limited or restricted resources are available. In this method, the Program Manager (PM) usually schedules all or most high-risk or critical activities in the earlier stage of
Step 2: Activity Sequencing involves the accurate identification of constraints/relationships among activities and establishing the order in which the activities will be accomplished. There are several inputs to this step: [1] The activity list developed in the Activity Definition step, The product description and characteristics, Mandatory constraints/dependencies, such as the fact that a prototype must
Step 3: Activity Duration Estimating is the determination of the time required to complete the activities that make up the program. This is one of the most difficult aspects of schedule development and should be performed by people who are most familiar with the activity. Two key inputs to the estimation process are the resources
Step 1: Activity Definition involves the identification and definition of those activities that must be accomplished to achieve the objectives of a project or program. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a logical source for such descriptions. If a WBS is not available, more planning must be done in order to identify project activities clearly.
The Defense System Management College Scheduling Guide for Program Managers, dated Oct 2001, is an introduction to scheduling. It is meant for people who already have some experience in program management and those who seek to learn more about the subject. It is not a detailed treatment of the subject, but instead, explains how
The Critical Path Length Index (CPLI) is a metric used to measure the relative efficiency to complete a milestone on time. It’s used to calculate and graphically display the Critical Path; the longest series of scheduled activities to complete a project. CPLI is a OSD(A&S) tripwire metric. CPLI = (Critical Path Length +/- Total Float
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a method used to examine the tasks in a schedule and determine a Critical Path Method variation (CPM). It analyzes the time required to complete each task and its associated dependencies to determine the minimum time to complete a project. It estimates the shortest possible time each activity will
The preparation of program schedules should be done within a formal structure. The procedures to be followed should be specified, including such things as software applications to be used, the formats for displays, and the type of symbols to be used. Also, clear lines of authority and responsibility should be established. Schedule Preparation Steps The
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a way to determine the critical path of a schedule. The critical path is the longest path of scheduled activities that must be met to execute a project. This is important for Program Managers (PM) to know since any problems on the critical path can prevent a project from
Scheduling is the act of developing a schedule which is a series of tasks that need to be accomplished in a specific sequence within a given period of time. These tasks grouped together achieve a common goal on a project or program. Scheduling is one of the three main tasks of program management which are;
