If there's one part of project management that's bigger than all the rest, it's project scheduling. Since a project is defined as a temporary endeavor with a distinct beginning and end, defining when that end takes place and making sure it finishes on time are extremely important to any project, large or small. Professional project... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Once the tasks within the project have been defined, the resources required by each task must be determined. To do this, we consult the PMBOK's Estimate Activity Resources process. PMBOK, 5th Edition, Section 6.4, "Estimate Activity Resources" Estimate Activity Resources is the process of estimating the type and quantities of material, human resources, equipment, or... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
After the project has been divided into tasks and resources assigned to those tasks, it's time to determine the task durations. This importance of this step should not be taken lightly, because these durations will be used to construct the project schedule. Just like the tiny o-rings that brought down the space shuttle Challenger, one... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Dividing the project into tasks (aka activities) is the first practical step in project scheduling. Small projects might have an obvious task breakdown. But we recommend learning this subject anyway because even a small problem with the task list, especially an omission, can be devastating after the project has been estimated and a full schedule... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In this step we will develop the most efficient schedule for the project. In its most basic form a project schedule is a list of tasks with assigned start and finish dates, therefore that is what we will accomplish on this tutorial page. It can also be a graphical bar chart produced with project management... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
On the previous page we used a network diagram to determine the Early Start, Late Start, Early Finish and Late Finish of each task. On this page we will draw the schedule in graphical bar chart form, which is called a Gantt chart. Gantt Chart A horizontal bar chart which depicts a project schedule is... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
With little exception, missing deadlines reflects poorly on the project manager and sometimes has financial consequences too. Because projects are by definition temporary, someone has authorized the project and expects its deliverables in a timely fashion. To meet the deadlines, a schedule management plan is produced which is a subset of the project management plan. ... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project management can feel like navigating a maze—tight budgets, shifting timelines, and endless variables vying for your attention. How do you know if you’re truly on track? Earned Value Analysis (EVA) is a powerful method that blends cost, schedule, and performance into a clear picture of project health. Whether you’re a seasoned PM or just... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Some projects are like boats without a paddle, drifting aimlessly at sea with little knowledge of what their final destination will be. Most of these projects do not end up at the destination that was planned. Project scheduling is the key to ensuring the original project plan and final project outcome are at least close... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Projects are like a ship cutting through stormy seas. Without a good map and a sharp captain’s eye, you’re bound to drift off course, plunder your resources, and sink under the weight of missed deadlines. A weak schedule is like a tattered sail, flapping in the wind of chaos. Without a steady hand and a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Kevin Payravi, Wikimedia Commons The Project Management Institute (PMI) reports that only 64% of projects meet their intended goals. The difference between a successful project and an unsuccessful one can usually be narrowed down to one word: Planning. Even small projects can benefit from a Project Management Plan. The following Project Management Plan checklist is... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer