Project Execution Scheduling Methods

Project Execution Scheduling - Methods

• This lecture covers various methods for scheduling project execution.
• The methods include Checklists, Daily To-Do Lists, Planners, Bar Charts, Linear Balance & Matrix.
• Scheduling helps manage, coordinate, control, and report project activities.
• Effective communication and enforcement of project plans are essential.
• Schedules should be flexible to accommodate changes and modifications.
• Selection criteria for choosing appropriate scheduling methods include project size, complexity, number of activities, users, and required detail level.
• It is crucial to select appropriate scheduling methods for effective project management and control.

Scheduling Methods - Intro

• Scheduling methods are tools for project completion.
• They help communicate plans and thoughts to the project team.
• Schedules enforce team adherence to project plans.
• Good schedules adapt to changes efficiently.
• Schedule design varies based on expected user.
• Selection criteria (project size, complexity, number of activities, user need for detail) guide schedules.

Scheduling Methods - Checklists

• A basic scheduling tool.
• A list of steps to complete project details.
• Helpful in avoiding project delays and improving productivity.
• Example: Shopping list, or task checklists for specific projects.

Checklists - Example

• Checklists include activities and required tools.
• The list should consist of all required activities and tools to avoid delays.
• Ensuring all necessary tools and materials are available before project start is essential for efficiency.
• Any missing item affects productivity by causing delays.

Checklists - Example

• Basic format to add columns to analyze planned vs actual schedule data.
• Useful for managing and controlling project progress.

Scheduling Methods - Electronic Planners

• Utilize PDAs or smart phones/pads for project scheduling.
• Easy updates for schedule data.
• Easy access and data storage.
• Require training and understanding of database mechanisms for optimal results.

Scheduling Methods - Scheduling Boards

• Arrange and visualize project activities.
• Easy access to planned and completed activities.
• Effective way for handling project changes.
  • Examples include magnetic boards or digital boards.

Scheduling Methods

• Checklists
• Daily To-Do Lists
• Planners
• Scheduling Boards
• Bar Charts
• Linear or Line of Balance
• Matrix Schedules

Scheduling Methods - Bar Chart

• Developed by Henry L. Gantt for World War I military operations control.
• Simple, quick, and easy to understand.
• Inexpensive for project duration estimation.
• Useful for comparing planned and actual project stages.

Bar Charts - Example

• Provides a visual representation of project components with their start and finish dates.
• Useful for identifying delay impacts and defining relationships between tasks.

Scheduling Methods – Linear Balance

• Originates from manufacturing, emphasizing interdependencies to optimize workflow.
• Uses Start and Finish buffers.
• Scheduling method uses "repetitive operations" to handle activities such as condos, houses, or other repetitive tasks.
• This approach is better for repeated work.

Linear Balance - Steps

• Identify project activities.
• Assess production rates and determine the duration for each activity.
• Create a velocity diagram for each activity.
• Identify conflicts and implement buffers.

Linear Balance - Example

• Provides an example of a pipeline project with activity details (production rate, duration).

Linear Balance - Additional Details

• Examine slope interpretations.
• Analyze situations where starting an activity too early leads to possible problems.
• Use time buffers to prevent conflicts.
• Examine the role of space buffers to minimize project risk.
• Understand how production rate changes affect overall project duration using linear balance.

Scheduling Methods - Matrix

• Employing interdependencies and repetitive operations.
• Details such as start/finish dates, responsibilities, and scheduling processes are incorporated.
• Useful for projects with multiple tasks and resource involvement.

Scheduling Methods

• Bar Charts
• Linear or Line of Balance
• Matrix Schedules
• Coordination/Communication/Presentation
• Ease of understanding for non-technical people.
• Specific tasks, predecessors, and successors.

This quiz explores various methods for scheduling project execution, including checklists, planners, and bar charts. It highlights the importance of effective communication, flexibility in scheduling, and the criteria for selecting suitable methods based on project complexity and size. Test your knowledge on how these methods contribute to successful project management and control.