Search Results for: Schedule

A target schedule is a project management tool that is used as a supplement to the approved baseline schedule. It takes into account the fact that variations in resource availability and other circumstances may sometimes affect the completion timeline of various activities. The baseline specifies the planned start and finish dates and the duration of each activity based on information gleaned from initial schedule network analysis. Target dates typically focus on the completion of individual tasks and may deviate from the baseline dates as needed to provide additional flexibility in project management. However, the original baseline data is still retained for historical reference regardless of any changes that occur during the lifecycle of the project.

In order to develop and use a target schedule effectively, it is necessary to have a performance management strategy in place. This includes measuring the variances between the target start/finish dates and how quickly the project work is actually advancing. The targets can be adjusted to take early and late start or finish dates into account based on how interrelated schedule activities are progressing. This is helpful in determining best and worst case scenarios and the impact they have on the overall schedule.

The same types of project management graphs used for baseline schedule reporting may be created for a target schedule as well. A hammock activity graph that shows the overlap of various activities over the same time period is particularly useful for this purpose. It offers a visual overview of the network of activities that require resources during the same period. If a particular resource is temporarily limited, target dates for non-critical activities may be extended for later completion to prevent delays in more critical schedule components. A hammock style graph may also highlight areas where resources are being underutilized – permitting some targets to be achieved ahead of schedule.

This term is defined in the 3^rd edition of the PMBOK, but not in the 4^th.

Schedule Network of Analysis is a set of data that is researched that we seek to understand. Schedule network analysis is a technique that generates the project management schedule. It is a detailed report of how and when you execute the next step of your project.
One of the more important topics to understand when planning project activities is creating network diagrams. Schedule network analysis diagrams provide a graphical view of activities and how they relate to one another within a project management plan. Sometimes no matter how well you develop a project management schedule, something will happen which may dramatically change it. Identification and managing such events or event chains is why you would create network diagrams. You want to be able to see the problem and fix it as soon as it starts.
The schedule network analysis typically will include all elements from the pre-planning stages through all ongoing processes that may take place during the active period, and to any and all portions of the project from start to finish.
In essence, this method is used to help manage your money and time efficently. A schedule network of analysis will always keep yon on your target goal.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.

Those in project management need to use a variety of tools to assist them in seeing the main task through to the end. Among these tools is the schedule model. This tool is helpful in creating the overall schedule for the project. By knowing the timing of activities and tasks, management is better able to make more efficient use of their time and that of their employees.
The schedule model proves to be most effective when used with software programs designed to analyze the schedule network. This analysis is then used by the software to create the finalized schedule which those in project management will then convey to their employees. The job of those in management is to be able to create schedules to facilitate the completion of the project.
Those in project management do not have to use a software program with the schedule model tool in order to craft a finalized schedule. There are a variety of manual methods which can be used as well. These are more time consuming, but their results are just as reliable as those from a computer software program. Whether a manual or electronic program is used, the schedule model is a critical part in generating the final project schedule.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.

In project management, Scheduled Finish date (SF) or planned finish date, is the date and time work was scheduled to be completed on a specific activity or task. Scheduled Finish date (SF) is planned using the resource-constrained scheduling process. This process involves scheduling tasks according to the knowledge of resource requirements and constraints such as time, scope and cost. This schedule adjusts the scheduled start and scheduled finish date (SF) according to time, scope and cost. Thus, schedule finish date (SF) may reflect the scarcity of scope, time, cost and other resources. It can also reflect the leveling of resources in project management.

Project time management involves identifying specific tasks and activities according to the project objectives. This is done by planning the sequence of activities and estimating the duration for each task. Then, a schedule is created according to the sequence and duration. The schedule includes the start and scheduled finish date (SF). During project management, the schedule is controlled according to the project resources and time constraints. There are three types of time constraints. The first one is flexible constraint which does not have specific dates so the project manager can start tasks as early or as late as possible. Semi-flexible constraint involves a date which controls the earliest start or finish date. As long as the deadline is met, the start or finish is flexible. Inflexible constraint means the date and schedule can not be changed. This usually means the project managers keep a strict timetable to keep up with the scheduled finish date (SF).

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.

The Scheduled Start Date (SS), also called the Planned Start Date, is the planned beginning of work on an assignment. Project Management will normally assign a start date for scheduled activities. The Scheduled Start Date is bounded by the early start date, when work on a project begins before the scheduled start date, and the late start date, when work on a project is delayed. Project Management assigns start dates based on the needs of the company. An early start delineates the earliest convenient time to begin work on a project, providing that early work does not interfere with previous commitments. By assigning Scheduled Start Dates, Project Management can effectively allocate resources according to where they are needed. Adherence to the Scheduled Start Date for a project ensures that team members will have the means at their disposal to complete projects in a timely manner, thus maximizing output. When teams or individuals must resort to late start dates, there is a greater chance of wasting resources or making mistakes to complete the project by its due date. It is imperative to take note of the Scheduled Start Date as well as the deadline for projects as Project Management assigns them.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.