AACE INTERNATIONAL
Chapter 13
Scheduling
Anthony J. Werderitsch, PE CCE
INTRODUCTION
Why Scheduling is Important
Scheduling is the process that converts the project work plan
into a road map, that if followed, will assure timely project
completion. Scheduling is one of the tools used for monitor-
ing and controlling projects to ensure the objectives of cost,
quality, and time are met. Schedules provide the baseline
against which progress is measured. Schedules are used to
assess time impact of changes to the work scope.
Effective project management involves coordinating activities
such as planning, organizing, implementing, and controlling
time and cost. Time control is usually achieved by preparing
and using schedules to make the most efficient use of available
time. Scheduling is an important and integral part of the over-
all planning effort, since the scheduling process forces people
to quantify their effort in discrete terms and to place activities
in proper relationship to each other. The planning (as dis-
cussed in Chapter 12) and scheduling functions are usually
performed iteratively in order to accomplish all required tasks
within the specified time frames.
Benefits of Scheduling
Scheduling provides a basis for management of the work,
improves communications, and facilitates coordination.
Using a schedule improves the effective use of resources. The
project schedule gives the user a baseline to monitor and con-
trol the work.
Scheduling provides a way of contributing input during proj-
ect execution concerning means, methods, techniques,
sequences, or other conditions affecting the plan’s outcome.
Scheduling provides a means for obtaining feedback since
the development and use is a team effort incorporating the
ideas and objectives of those responsible for the work.
Schedules are good motivational tools providing intended
work plans to those having to perform the work and report-
ing progress against them.
13.1
SCHEDULING
Schedules provide a baseline for measurement and a means
for collecting and recording progress. Budgets, costs, and
resources can be integrated into project schedule activities
providing a basis for measuring cost as well as time per-
formance.
Schedules may be used as a basis for payment applications
supporting work completed. Critical path schedules are used
and relied upon by courts for amending contract completion
dates. When projects are faced with significant cost and time
overruns, schedules are used as analytical tools to support
assessments of labor efficiencies resulting from compression
or extension of time, congested work areas, and disruption to
planned work.
The cost engineer must have an understanding of the impor-
tance of using schedules effectively. Knowing only the cost
and cost estimating functions limits the ability of the cost
engineer to perform as a true project controls professional.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a basic understand-
ing of scheduling for seasoned, as well as new, project staff
and other department personnel who rely on timely project
completion. The objectives are as follows:
• Become familiar with scheduling terms.
• Gain an understanding of scheduling methods and tech-
niques including each one’s benefits and risks.
• Become familiar with the most commonly used method
and technique that will meet your project objectives.
• Obtain an understanding of work breakdown structures
(WBS) and the dependencies between work tasks to
enhance team efficiencies.
• Apply overlapping schedule techniques and calculations
that reflect real-world management applications.
• Become familiar with managing changes to the schedule.