Schedule Compression
Schedule compression refers to the process of shortening the project schedule without compromising the project scope or objectives. This technique is commonly employed when a project is behind schedule, or certain external factors necessitate its completion earlier than planned. There are two main approaches to schedule compression: crashing and fast-tracking. Crashing involves the addition of extra resources or budget to complete tasks more quickly, while fast-tracking involves overlapping the execution of parallel or sequential activities to expedite the project schedule. Proper risk assessment and decision-making are essential in schedule compression to avoid jeopardizing project quality or increasing costs unnecessarily.
Guide on Schedule Compression based on PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition
Schedule Compression is an important concept in the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition. It is the technique that shortens the project schedule without reducing the project scope.
Why it is important:
Schedule Compression is crucial for managing the project timeline effectively. It allows for speeding up the project when necessary, without sacrificing the project's scope or objectives.
What it is:
Schedule Compression involves techniques such as crashing, which adds more resources to activities, and fast-tracking, which performs more activities in parallel. These techniques aim to decrease the project completion time while considering the trade-offs.
How it works:
Schedule Compression identifies the critical path and targets activities to shorten that path. It assesses the options for shortening the schedule, either through extra resources (crashing) or tasks' simultaneous execution (fast tracking).
Exam Tips:
1. Understand the difference between crashing and fast tracking: Crashing involves adding resources while fast tracking means doing more activities simultaneously.
2. Check if the question specifically refers to a change in the project scope or not. Crashing and Fast tracking do not change the scope.
3. When answering questions, carefully evaluate the pros and cons of both techniques as they can increase costs or risks.
Answering Questions on Schedule Compression:
During the exam, read the question carefully and understand if it's asking about the impact of schedule compression, or asking which technique to use in a given scenario. Remember to rely on your understanding of crashing and fast tracking, and their potential impacts on cost and risk. It's crucial to understand that neither crashing nor fast tracking change the project scope.
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