Project timing

What is meant by Project timing?

Project scheduling involves creating a detailed timeline that defines the time aspects of a project. It is essential to ensure that a project is completed on time and that the set goals are achieved.

Aspects of project scheduling

• Identify work packages: Divide the project scope into smaller, manageable work packages. Each work package should represent a clear task or activity.
• Task prioritization: determine the order in which work packages must be completed. Some tasks may be dependent on others and require a specific order.
• Effort estimation: estimate the effort required for each task or work package. This can be measured in man-hours or days.
• Resource identification: determine what resources (people, equipment, materials) are needed for each task. Ensure that these resources are available when they are needed.
• Identify dependencies: Identify dependencies between tasks. Some tasks may not begin until others are completed. This will affect the order and duration of tasks.
• Set milestones: Define key milestones in the project that monitor progress and serve as reference points to ensure the project stays on schedule.
• Create schedule: Use appropriate tools such as Gantt charts or project management software to create the schedule. Make sure the schedule is realistic and includes buffers for unexpected delays.

 Different types of project schedules

• Gantt chart: a Gantt chart is a visual representation of a project schedule. It displays tasks as bars on a timeline, with the length of the bars representing the duration of the tasks. Gantt charts are useful for illustrating tasks and their dependencies.
• Network diagrams (PERT and CPM): Programs for Evaluation and Review of Techniques (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM) are techniques that use network diagrams to analyze the critical path and timing of projects. They help identify the longest duration for the project and the most important tasks.
• Milestone Plan: a milestone plan focuses on identifying and monitoring milestones in the project's progress. Milestones are important events or deliverables that must be achieved in order to track the progress of the project.   
• Resource calendar: A resource calendar is a schedule that shows the availability of resources, such as staff or equipment, over the duration of the project. This helps avoid bottlenecks or overloads.
• Master schedule: A master schedule integrates multiple partial schedules into a single comprehensive schedule. This is especially useful for large projects that involve multiple departments or teams.
• Rolling Wave Planning: In this method, the schedule for the first part of the project is planned in detail, while planning for later phases is more general. This allows better planning for the immediate part of the project and more flexible planning for later phases.
• Iterative scheduling: In agile project management methods, scheduling is often done in short iterations, with the schedule re-evaluated and adjusted for each iteration.
• Baseline schedule: This is the original schedule that serves as a reference point. Changes to the schedule are compared to the baseline to track progress and variances.

Selection of the most appropriate schedule depends on the specific requirements of the project, available resources, and the preference of the project team. An effective schedule is critical to the success of a project because it provides the basis for time control and project management.