Reducing Project Duration

Project Duration Reduction

• The term crashing is used in project management to refer to shortening the duration of an activity or a project beyond its normal timeframe.
• Reasons for attempting to reduce project duration include:
  • Meeting tight deadlines imposed by stakeholders.
  • Dealing with unexpected delays or setbacks.
  • Capitalizing on time-sensitive market opportunities.

Options for Accelerating Project Completion

• Common strategies for accelerating project completion when resources are constrained:
  • Reallocating existing resources to critical tasks.
  • Increasing work shifts or hours for current employees.
  • Utilizing overtime, if feasible.
• It is important to note that increasing the budget or purchasing additional resources may not be considered a feasible option if resources are constrained.

Resource Constraints and Project Completion

• Resources are not constrained when enough manpower, materials, and budget are available to meet project timelines without compromising quality.
• One option for accelerating project completion under resource constraints is to prioritize and focus on critical path tasks to ensure timely completion.

Purpose of Crashing

• The purpose of crashing in project management is to shorten the overall project duration while controlling costs and managing risks associated with expedited schedules.

Test your understanding of Chapter Nine's concepts and strategies for reducing project duration. This quiz covers the rationale behind reducing project duration and key techniques discussed in the chapter. See how well you grasp the material and evaluate your progress.