PF3104 Lecture 2: Project Execution Scheduling

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary objectives of scheduling in project management?

To finalize project budgets

To reduce project costs only

To increase the number of activities

To communicate with project players (correct)

Which technique is primarily used for identifying the longest path of dependent activities in a project?

Simulation Modeling

Earned Value Management

Resource Allocation Method

Critical Path Method (CPM) (correct)

What does the Performance Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) primarily help with in scheduling?

Estimating time required for activities (correct)

Allocating human resources only

Establishing fixed costs for each activity

Creating a budget plan

How does effective scheduling impact project success?

It helps in identifying potential problems early Signup and view all the answers

What is a common goal of breaking up a project into manageable activities?

To reduce overall project complexity Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary reasons for scheduling projects?

To reduce total project time Signup and view all the answers

How does scheduling improve project flow?

By providing a more continuous work flow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an objective of project scheduling?

Ensure an unstructured work environment Signup and view all the answers

What impact does scheduling have on labor costs?

Reduces labor costs by minimizing idle workforce Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of scheduling is crucial for minimizing mistakes?

Establishing a detailed sequence of activities Signup and view all the answers

In terms of project completion, why is it beneficial to complete a project ahead of schedule?

It can increase first-year revenue significantly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the significance of addressing equipment costs in scheduling?

Earlier scheduling reduces equipment rental rates Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a benefit of a structured project schedule?

Greater project delays Signup and view all the answers

What is one main benefit of having a well-planned project schedule?

Improved company reputation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason to schedule a project?

To avoid engaging project participants Signup and view all the answers

How does scheduling contribute to project management?

By ensuring project participants understand their roles Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of scheduling during the preconstruction stage?

Simulation of project activities Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of a project does scheduling NOT force participants to consider?

Marketing strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is a key outcome of improved communication through scheduling?

Clearer understanding of project timelines Signup and view all the answers

In what way does scheduling help project owners?

By fostering confidence and trust in project execution Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of a project is scheduling most critical?

Throughout all project stages Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course title: PF3104/IPM4102 Project Execution
Lecture: 2
Topic: Project Execution Scheduling - Fundamentals
Instructor: Professor HWANG Bon-Gang (Dr.)
Department: Department of the Built Environment, College of Design & Engineering
University: NUS (National University of Singapore)

Today's Topics

Project Execution Scheduling Fundamentals
Project Execution Control Fundamentals

Project Execution Scheduling

Fundamentals: Definition, Objectives, History, Why & When (G8; N2)
Components: Fundamentals, Methods, Activities, Network Diagram, Network Calculation, CPM & PERT, Fundamentals, Review, Analysis & Management, Update, Resource, Resource Loading, Earned Value Method (EVM)

Scheduling Definition

A Basic Project Management Skill
The Process of Listing Project Activities in the Sequence they Occur

Scheduling Objectives

Break a project into manageable activities
Determine sequence (relationships) & flow of work
Determine specific start/finish dates & milestones
Allocate resources efficiently (what, when & where)
Identify potential problems early (simulation of work processes)
Communicate/Coordinate with project players (who, what, when, where, why, how, how much, etc.)

Scheduling History

Since 1950s: Use of formalized schedules (Critical Path Method (CPM), DuPont Chemical plant, Performance Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT), U.S. Navy Polaris missile development, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NASA Apollo Space Program)
Until 1980s: Use of Network-Based Scheduling Techniques, limited to large projects due to computer requirements
Today: Simplified hardware and software, wide range of users in all phases of projects, basic part of project control, used as evidence in court (e.g., delays)

Why Schedule?

Excuses: "No time to create a realistic & effective schedule," "So many projects similar to this... I can do it in my sleep"
Reality: Delays, Changes, Reworks, etc.
Understand current time use, achieve better future time without sacrificing other objectives
Reduce Total Project Time: Determine total duration, determine sequence of activities. Mistakes in order, reworks, delays
Reduce costs of Labor, Overhead, Interest on Loans, and Capital: Labor costs, late delivery of bricks, extra expenditure, extra working days
Provide a more continuous work flow: Start/Mid project is easygoing compared to the end
Increase Productivity: Give employees/subcontractors a goal to work towards
Meeting Owners' Requirements: Owners are tired of delays, well-planned, realistic, workable schedules provide confidence & trust, and good reputation
Improve company image: Positive communication and good reputation

When to Schedule?

Preconstruction Stage: Opportunity to design and build the project, simulate activities, provide necessary information, make provisions for resources (long lead items), base for cost provisions, Plan for success.
Construction Stage: Force contractors/subcontractors to do "Day-to-Day" activities, coordinate & orchestrate material deliveries & utilization of equipment/people, anticipate & manage delays, check planned vs. actual progress.
Postconstruction Stage: End-users become involved (ownership), partial occupancy, coordinate, control testing/acceptance, record/store data, lessons learned, evidence for claims/disputes.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz focuses on the fundamentals of project execution scheduling, including its definition, objectives, history, and essential components. Key concepts such as CPM, PERT, resource management, and Earned Value Method (EVM) will be covered. Test your understanding of the fundamental principles and practices in project scheduling.