Develop Schedule

 

Summary of the "Develop Schedule" Process

1. Definition:

   • The Develop Schedule process creates the project schedule by analyzing activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and constraints.
   • Produces a scheduling model that specifies what activities are performed when.

2. Purpose:

   • To establish a clear and realistic project timeline, including start and end dates for all activities.
   • To provide a baseline for tracking progress and managing changes.

3. Key Inputs:

   • Activity List and Attributes:
     • Includes all identified activities and their characteristics.
   • Activity Durations:
     • Estimated time required for each activity.
   • Resource Calendars:
     • Availability of resources for scheduling activities.
   • Project Management Plan:
     • Guidance from the Schedule Management Plan.

4. Key Tools and Techniques:

   • Schedule Network Analysis:
     • Determines the most efficient sequence of activities.
     • Includes techniques like:
       • Critical Path Method (CPM):
         • Identifies the longest path through the project to determine the minimum duration.
       • Critical Chain Method:
         • Focuses on resource availability and buffers.
       • What-If Scenarios:
         • Simulates potential scenarios to identify risks and optimize schedules.
   • Resource Optimization:
     • Resource Leveling:
       • Adjusts schedules to avoid over-allocation of resources, which may extend the schedule.
     • Resource Smoothing:
       • Adjusts schedules within predefined limits to balance resource use.
   • Schedule Compression:
     • Crashing:
       • Adds resources to shorten the schedule, increasing costs.
     • Fast Tracking:
       • Runs activities in parallel, increasing risk but not cost.
   • Agile Release Planning:
     • Defines iterations and release schedules for incremental delivery in Agile projects.

5. Key Outputs:

   • Project Schedule:
     • Detailed schedule showing start and end dates for all activities.
     • Representations include:
       • Gantt Chart (Bar Chart):
         • Visualizes activity durations.
       • Milestone Chart:
         • Highlights key project milestones.
       • Project Network Diagram:
         • Shows logical relationships between activities.
   • Schedule Baseline:
     • The original, approved version of the schedule used for tracking performance.
   • Schedule Data:
     • Includes assumptions, constraints, and calculations used to create the schedule.
   • Project Calendar:
     • Specifies working days, shifts, and hours for the project.

6. Applications in Practice:

   • Construction:
     • Schedule defines when foundational work, framing, and roofing will occur.
   • Software Development:
     • Tracks timelines for sprints, testing phases, and releases.
   • Event Planning:
     • Details deadlines for venue booking, vendor coordination, and event setup.

7. Key Concepts:

   • Critical Path Method (CPM):
     • Focuses on identifying the longest path to determine project duration.
   • Lags and Leads:
     • Lag: A delay between activities.
     • Lead: An overlap between activities.
   • Schedule Compression:
     • Use crashing to reduce timelines by adding resources or fast tracking to overlap tasks.

8. Importance:

   • A detailed schedule ensures:
     • Clear communication of timelines.
     • Effective resource utilization.
     • The ability to monitor and control project progress.

9. Highlighted Points:

   • Customization:
     • Schedules are tailored to the project’s needs, using tools like PMIS (e.g., Microsoft Project).
   • Iterative Approach:
     • In Agile projects, schedules are built around releases and iterations.
   • Realistic Planning:
     • Assumptions, constraints, and potential risks are accounted for during schedule development.

10. Key Takeaway:

    • The Develop Schedule process integrates all scheduling components to create a comprehensive project timeline. By using tools like Critical Path Method and resource optimization, project managers ensure efficient execution and delivery. "Plan timelines meticulously, execute seamlessly, deliver punctually."