Schedule Compression Techniques
Schedule Compression Techniques are critical methods used to shorten the project schedule duration without modifying the project scope, in order to meet time constraints, deadlines, or other schedule objectives. These techniques are often employed during the finalization of the schedule when it becomes apparent that the project's end date does not align with stakeholder expectations or contractual obligations. The two primary schedule compression techniques are Crashing and Fast Tracking. **Crashing** involves adding resources to project activities on the critical path to reduce their durations. This can include allocating additional personnel, increasing work hours through overtime, or expediting material deliveries. Crashing typically results in increased project costs due to the additional resources or premiums paid for expedited services. It is important to conduct a cost-benefit analysis to ensure that the time saved is worth the extra expenditure. **Fast Tracking** involves rearranging the schedule to perform activities in parallel that were originally planned in sequence. This technique can significantly reduce the project duration but introduces more risk. Overlapping phases or activities can lead to rework if the preceding activities are not completed as expected or if changes occur, impacting subsequent activities. Careful consideration and risk assessment are necessary when implementing fast tracking to mitigate potential issues. When finalizing the schedule, applying these compression techniques requires collaboration with the project team and stakeholders to assess the feasibility and implications of the changes. It is essential to update all related project documents, communicate the changes effectively, and ensure that everyone understands the adjusted timelines and any associated risks or costs. Using schedule compression techniques judiciously helps project managers meet critical deadlines and deliver successful project outcomes without compromising scope or quality. Proper application ensures that the project remains aligned with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations while effectively managing time constraints.
Schedule Compression Techniques for PMI-SP Certification
Why Schedule Compression is Important
Schedule compression techniques are critical project management tools that help teams meet deadlines when the original schedule appears insufficient. These techniques are essential because:
• They provide systematic approaches to accelerate project delivery
• They help mitigate impacts of unexpected delays
• They enable project managers to respond to changing stakeholder requirements or market conditions
• They allow teams to optimize resource allocation when facing time constraints
• They are frequently tested on the PMI-SP exam as key schedule management concepts
What is Schedule Compression?
Schedule compression refers to techniques used to shorten the project schedule duration while maintaining the same project scope. When project deadlines are at risk or when opportunities arise to finish earlier, these techniques provide structured methods to reduce the overall timeline.
The PMI-SP framework recognizes two primary schedule compression techniques:
1. Crashing: Adding resources to critical path activities to reduce duration, usually increasing costs.
2. Fast Tracking: Performing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence, increasing risk but not necessarily cost.
How Schedule Compression Works
Crashing Technique:
• Identify critical path activities that can be shortened with additional resources
• Calculate the cost slope (cost per unit time saved) for each activity
• Prioritize activities with the lowest cost slope first
• Add resources incrementally until desired schedule reduction is achieved
• Monitor impact on cost and other project constraints
Example: Adding an additional engineer to a design task at $800/day to reduce the duration from 10 days to 8 days.
Fast Tracking Technique:
• Identify activities with dependencies that could potentially overlap
• Analyze risks of running activities in parallel
• Implement parallel work while maintaining communication between teams
• Monitor closely for quality issues or rework requirements
• Be prepared to adjust if coordination problems arise
Example: Starting foundation work before all architectural plans are finalized.
Comparative Analysis
Crashing:
• Preserves logical relationships between activities
• Usually increases project costs
• Easier to control quality
• May create resource constraints
• Cost-effectiveness decreases as more activities are crashed
Fast Tracking:
• Changes logical relationships between activities
• May not increase direct costs
• Increases coordination complexity and risk
• Can lead to rework if not managed properly
• Most effective early in the project
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Schedule Compression Techniques
1. Identify the scenario context:
• Look for keywords suggesting time constraints ("deadline moved up", "behind schedule")
• Note mentions of available budget or resource constraints
• Assess risk tolerance mentioned in the scenario
2. Differentiate between techniques:
• Choose crashing when the question mentions additional resources or costs
• Select fast tracking when parallel activities or increased risks are mentioned
• Remember that these techniques can be used in combination
3. Watch for calculation questions:
• Be prepared to calculate cost slopes for crashing activities
• Know how to determine the maximum possible schedule compression
• Practice calculating critical path changes after compression
4. Common exam traps:
• Fast tracking is NOT adding resources (that's crashing)
• Crashing does NOT always focus on the critical path only
• Schedule compression is different from scope reduction
• Both techniques have limits - not all schedules can be infinitely compressed
5. Application knowledge:
• Be ready to recommend the appropriate technique for a given scenario
• Understand when to stop compression (diminishing returns)
• Know how to monitor and control projects after compression
Remember that the PMI-SP exam focuses on practical application rather than mere memorization. Questions will likely present realistic scenarios where you must determine the most appropriate compression approach based on the specific constraints and objectives presented.
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