DEVELOPING A WORKABLE PROJECT SCHEDULE

After developing a detailed list of project tasks and deliverables, estimated durations, task resources, and preferences on schedule formats, project teams must create a schedule that serves as a guide for completing a project on time.

A good schedule is a key tool for guiding the completion of work. Many people are motivated by deadlines, and seeing their names attached to schedules clarifies accountability and progress. Project managers should work with their teams to create and maintain workable project schedules.

There are several ways to display schedule information. Most schedules list project tasks, deliverables, and completion dates as a minimum.

Many people like to see milestone reports, which list project milestones in one column and their planned completion dates in the next column.

The project team often needs more detailed schedule information, such as the resources assigned to specific tasks and the dependencies between tasks. A Gantt chart is a popular and effective tool for displaying detailed schedule information. The WBS provides the basis for the list of tasks and their hierarchy.

Project network diagrams display task dependencies and provide automatic generation of task dates. By using project management software to create Gantt charts and project network diagrams, you can easily create good project schedules and change the format and amount of detail displayed. For example, you can provide reports that list tasks by resource. However, remember the saying, "Garbage in means garbage out." You must have good inputs to create good schedules.

You can also track planned versus actual information as the project progresses, using a tracking Gantt chart or similar tool. The project team should decide whether and how it wishes to track actual schedule information.

Project schedules should guide completion of work. Create and use them with this intent.