Schedule Compression Techniques
Schedule compression techniques are strategies employed to shorten the project schedule without changing the project scope, to meet tight deadlines or address delays. The two primary methods of schedule compression are **Crashing** and **Fast Tracking**. **Crashing** involves adding extra resources to critical path activities to accelerate their completion. This can include increasing workforce size, paying for expedited shipping of materials, or authorizing overtime work. Crashing aims to reduce the duration of critical tasks, thereby shortening the overall project timeline. However, it often results in increased project costs due to the additional resources required. Project managers must analyze the cost and schedule trade-offs to determine if the benefits of crashing outweigh the added expenses. **Fast Tracking** is the process of rearranging the project schedule to perform activities that were originally planned in sequence concurrently or partially overlapping. This technique is applied to activities on the critical path and can significantly reduce the project duration. For example, starting the installation of equipment before the design is fully completed. While fast tracking can shorten the schedule, it introduces additional risks, such as increased potential for rework, errors, or quality issues due to incomplete information. Both techniques require careful consideration and risk management. It's essential to evaluate the impact on project costs, quality, and stakeholder expectations. Effective communication and coordination among project teams are crucial to manage the changes and mitigate associated risks. Schedule compression should be documented thoroughly in the project management plan, including the rationale for the chosen approach and any changes to project baselines. In schedule network analysis, compression techniques are valuable tools for exploring alternative scheduling scenarios and responding to project challenges. They enable project managers to meet critical deadlines, comply with external constraints, or capitalize on opportunities that require accelerated project delivery. Proper application of schedule compression contributes to project success by balancing time, cost, and quality objectives.
Schedule Compression Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide for PMI-SP Exams
Why Schedule Compression Techniques Are Important
Schedule compression techniques are essential project management tools that help bring projects back on track when they're running behind schedule or when there's a need to complete the project earlier than originally planned. These techniques are crucial because:
• They provide practical methods to recover delayed schedules
• They offer strategies to meet accelerated deadlines
• They help balance the triple constraint of time, cost, and scope
• They are vital for managing stakeholder expectations when timelines change
What Are Schedule Compression Techniques?
Schedule compression techniques are methods used to shorten the project schedule while minimizing or managing the impact on project scope and cost. The PMI recognizes two primary schedule compression techniques:
1. Crashing
Adding resources to critical activities to complete them faster, typically at additional cost.
2. Fast Tracking
Performing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence, which may increase risks.
How Schedule Compression Techniques Work
Crashing:
• Involves adding extra resources to critical path activities
• Focuses on the most cost-effective compression opportunities first
• Requires cost-benefit analysis to determine if the additional cost is justified
• May include options like overtime, additional staff, better equipment, or incentives
• Always increases costs
Fast Tracking:
• Involves performing activities in parallel rather than sequentially
• Typically applied to activities on the critical path
• Requires careful analysis of dependencies between activities
• Increases project risk due to potential rework
• May not increase direct costs
Differences Between Crashing and Fast Tracking
| Aspect | Crashing | Fast Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Resources | Additional resources added | Same resources, reorganized |
| Cost | Increases cost | May not increase direct costs |
| Risk | Moderate increase in risk | Significant increase in risk |
| Approach | Adds resources to specific activities | Changes schedule logic/dependencies |
Other Schedule Compression Methods
While crashing and fast tracking are the primary techniques, other approaches include:
• Overtime: Extending working hours
• Alternative methods: Using different approaches or technologies
• Scope reduction: Eliminating non-essential deliverables
• Quality reduction: Accepting lower standards (least desirable option)
When to Use Each Technique
Use Crashing When:
• You have budget flexibility but strict deadlines
• Activities can be accelerated with more resources
• Quality cannot be compromised
Use Fast Tracking When:
• Budget is constrained but schedule must be shortened
• Dependencies between activities allow parallel work
• Team can manage increased coordination complexity
• You can accept higher risk levels
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Schedule Compression Techniques
• Know the definitions cold: Be able to clearly distinguish between crashing and fast tracking
• Understand the impacts: Remember that crashing always increases cost, while fast tracking always increases risk
• Apply critical path knowledge: Remember that compression only helps if applied to critical path activities
• Calculate crash cost slope: For quantitative questions, know how to calculate the cost per unit time saved
• Consider the context: Look for clues in the question about budget constraints vs. time constraints
• Watch for hybrid scenarios: Some situations may call for both techniques
• Recognize limitations: Some activities cannot be crashed or fast tracked
Sample Exam Question Types
1. Scenario-based questions asking which technique is most appropriate
2. Calculation questions involving crash cost analysis
3. True/False statements about the characteristics of each technique
4. Sequencing questions about the proper order of compression activities
5. Risk assessment questions related to schedule compression
Key Formulas to Remember
• Crash Cost Slope = (Crash Cost - Normal Cost) / (Normal Duration - Crash Duration)
• Total Duration Reduction = Sum of reductions on critical path activities
• New Project Duration = Original Duration - Duration Reduction
Remember that schedule compression techniques are essential tools in a project manager's toolkit, especially when dealing with schedule variances or accelerated timelines. Understanding when and how to apply these techniques effectively can make the difference between project success and failure.
Go Premium
PMI Scheduling Professional Preparation Package (2025)
- 3429 Superior-grade PMI Scheduling Professional practice questions.
- Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
- Unlock Effortless PMI-SP preparation: 5 full exams.
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
- Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
- Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!