Planning and scheduling is a critical success factor in any project. A well thought out plan developed in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders can go a long way in achieving the desired results
Few basic tips below on how to improve the scheduling practices based on the author’s experience. Please feel free to comment or add value to this attempt
The term ‘’planning team’’ used here can be the person or the team responsible for the planning activities in the project depending on the nature of the project
- A project plan has to be developed with the end in mind. A well thought out and realistic plan which can be in sync with the actual sequence of works can serve as an invaluable asset for any project
- Ensure that the planning team is completely aware and have access to the relevant contract documents. An ideal project plan has to be a reflection of the contract requirements. It is vital not to slip any constraint or use relevant assumptions based on the contracts
- The planning team to work in close co-ordination with the project execution/implementation team. This is a fact which has to go without saying but many project plans are seen to be lacking on this crucial aspect. The planning team often rush to make the Baseline program submission due to the time pressure. Never underestimate the value of a project plan with the buy-in from relevant stakeholders
- Proper sequencing of activities in a schedule is of substantial importance. This again is something which has to be worked in coordination with the execution team. A project plan with activity relationships not in sync with the actual sequence of work will bring in hardly any value in monitoring and control
- The critical path generated as a result of the developed schedule model has to be brought to the table for discussion with the relevant stakeholders. Firstly, the critical path has to make a logical sense. If not, consider reviewing the activity relationships and durations. Remember, the critical path will be instrumental for the results an updated schedule will bring in
- Resource planning to be done in consideration of various parameters. The company’s productivity rates to be duly considered (if available) or if not Industry standards to be followed. Whether the resources are in-house or outsourced is a significant question to be answered during the project planning stage itself
- For monitoring and control purpose, set the time intervals (data date) and be consistent on applying the actual percentage completes. The updates of the schedule are an important input for key decision making in the projects
Always remember, a project plan (Baseline program) is the most important tool in a project for all time/schedule related aspects. Just imagine how good a project manager can feel when he has a realistic schedule at his disposal which is an ideal reflection of the project requirements
Moreover, this tool will be of countless assistance to a PM to demonstrate the affects of various internal and external factors affecting the schedule and where possible the project be entitled for additional time and costs
A proper project plan – an invaluable asset to any project!
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Thasveer’s areas of expertise include:
- Project management | Program Management | Portfolio management
- Project scheduling/planning and control
- Contracts management
- Risk management
- Project execution experience
- PMO set-up and MIS reporting
- Procurement
- Valuations and construction advisory services
- Applications of Agile practices in projects where applicable
- Business analysis
- Facilities management
- Training & Mentoring for project management certifications. My trainings have evolved from 20 years of real projects experience. Passionately provides trainings for PMI® certifications
- Proven coach for team development and a servant leader for the team
His is an Award-winning professional from PMI® (Project Management Institute) for being the member with highest number of PMI credentials in the UAE in the year 2019
He is certified in all 8 certifications that PMI® – USA administers as follows:
+ Portfolio Management Professional – PfMP® certified
+ Program Management Professional – PgMP® certified
+ Project Management Professional – PMP® certified
+ Project Risk Management Professional – RMP® certified
+ Agile Certified Practitioner – PMI-ACP® certified
+ Professional in Business Analysis – PMI-PBA® certified
+ Scheduling Professional – PMI-SP® certified
+ Certified Associate in Project Management – CAPM® certified
Add-ons:
*Project planning and control – Hands on planning experience. Well versed in Primavera software
* Construction claims management
* Construction site execution experience
* Hands on experience on cost and budget control/progress payment certifications
* Sound knowledge of entire construction process & methodologies
* Excellent communication/inter-personal skills
* Fellow of Indian Institute of Valuers (FIIV)
* Project/Program Mgmt/Consultancy/Client Rep/Developer/Project Controls/Risk Mgmt for Consultancy/Contracting/Advisory/ PM training roles etc.