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What it
is: Manage Project Schedule
Description
Managing the project schedule is an ongoing activity
to make sure the project is meeting deadlines and providing
deliverables on time. The project schedule is used
to monitor progress and keep the project on track. When
significant variances occur, the schedule is updated and
appropriate actions are taken.
Rationale/Purpose
Managing the project schedule helps the project
stay on track. During the Execute and Control stage the
project manager uses the agreed-to baseline schedule to
track project progress and measure the performance of the
project.
Who is Involved
Project Manager
Project Sponsor
Project Team Members
Results
Project Schedule is applied, monitored and updated
Product delivered at expected time
Project schedule status is a component of the Project Status
Report
How to: Manage
Project Schedule
Recommended actions and strategies
The table below describes several steps you can
take to manage the project schedule.
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What to do
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How to do
it
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1
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Request regular progress reports from project
team members about their progress on assigned tasks
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Progress reports should include efforts spent
on tasks to date and estimates of future effort required
to complete them.
Emphasize accurate and timely reporting and be
diligent in collecting the information at a detailed
level.
Pay particular attention to critical path
tasks.
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2
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Be alert to and identify any project changes that
might affect the schedule
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Use the project’s change management process to
handle currently approved changes that require re-planning
of tasks.
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3
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Identify any significant schedule slippages and
take action
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Discuss impacts and alternative actions with the
sponsor and key stakeholders.
Decide on the appropriate actions to be taken.
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4
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Update the project schedule by adjusting tasks
and assignments
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Adjustments should be based on:
- project team status reports
- changes resulting
from the project’s change management process
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5
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Prepare yourself to answer a variety of schedule
related questions
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Some common schedule questions include:
- Is the project on track?
- Are there any issues that need to be addressed
now?
- Which tasks are taking more time than estimated?
Less time?
- If tasks are late, what is the impact on subsequent
tasks?
- What is the next deliverable to be produced
and when is it scheduled to be complete?
- What is the amount of effort expended and what
is remaining?
- Are any team members over- or under-allocated?
- How much time has been expended to date and
what is the time required to complete the project?
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6
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Communicate progress against the project schedule
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Use your communication plan to communicate progress
to relevant stakeholders.
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Templates/Examples: Project Schedule
The table below provides several templates you can use
to help manage your project schedule.
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Updated February 1, 2006 - v1.0
