Schedule Planning Template
The basics of project schedule planning are all that you are likely to need during the course of your project. You need to know the components of the plan so that you can set expectations - your own and those of other stakeholders in the project. But once you complete your planning, scheduling will be taken over by your architect and builder. You can apply what you learn here to evaluating their schedules.
You should understand that the schedule has two main functions. The schedule not only answers the question of 'how long', but it also lists your short-term goals in the order in which you need to achieve them. In many ways it is the project's TO-DO list with the element of time added.
Having a project TO-DO list is important for the very practical reason that you do not want to waste your time, figuratively, by working on the roof before the foundations. But there is also a 'political' reason. You will be asked the 'how long' question over and over; and you will want to look like you are doing a first class job. Predicting the 'how long', even somewhat accurately, will say that you ARE doing a good job.
Start your project schedule as soon as you feel that you have enough information, and then repeat, review or update your schedule every three or four months.
There are only four steps to creating the type of schedule you will need.
You should understand that the schedule has two main functions. The schedule not only answers the question of 'how long', but it also lists your short-term goals in the order in which you need to achieve them. In many ways it is the project's TO-DO list with the element of time added.
Having a project TO-DO list is important for the very practical reason that you do not want to waste your time, figuratively, by working on the roof before the foundations. But there is also a 'political' reason. You will be asked the 'how long' question over and over; and you will want to look like you are doing a first class job. Predicting the 'how long', even somewhat accurately, will say that you ARE doing a good job.
Start your project schedule as soon as you feel that you have enough information, and then repeat, review or update your schedule every three or four months.
There are only four steps to creating the type of schedule you will need.
- Create a list of tasks. Brainstorm everything, including milestones, tasks and phases. You can always add or subtract from this list.
- Arrange the tasks in the logical sequence in which you think they should be accomplished.
- Estimate the duration of each task. Accuracy is desirable but not really necessary. Just be as realistic as you can. At the same time recognize that many things will be outside your control, so generous durations will make your schedule more realistic.
- Establish the relationships among the tasks. Most tasks are sequential, meaning one must end before the next can begin. However, be on the lookout for tasks that can overlap or take place simultaneously.