In PRINCE2 7, a schedule is a fundamental component of the Plans practice that provides a detailed timetable showing when project activities and events are planned to occur. It serves as a critical tool for managing time and coordinating work across the project lifecycle.
The schedule transforms t…In PRINCE2 7, a schedule is a fundamental component of the Plans practice that provides a detailed timetable showing when project activities and events are planned to occur. It serves as a critical tool for managing time and coordinating work across the project lifecycle.
The schedule transforms the project's activities into a time-based representation, typically displayed through formats such as Gantt charts, milestone charts, or network diagrams. It establishes the sequence of activities, their dependencies, estimated durations, and planned start and finish dates.
Key elements of a PRINCE2 schedule include:
1. Activities and Tasks: The specific work items that need to be completed, broken down from the product breakdown structure and work packages.
2. Dependencies: The relationships between activities showing which tasks must be completed before others can begin, including both internal and external dependencies.
3. Resource Allocation: Assignment of team members and other resources to specific activities, ensuring workload is balanced and achievable.
4. Milestones: Significant events or checkpoints that mark important achievements or decision points within the project.
5. Time Estimates: Realistic duration estimates for each activity, often including contingency allowances for uncertainty.
Schedules exist at different levels in PRINCE2. The Project Plan contains the overall schedule, while Stage Plans provide more detailed scheduling for each management stage. Team Plans may offer even finer granularity for specific work packages.
The schedule supports effective project control by enabling the Project Manager to track progress against planned dates, identify potential delays early, and take corrective action when necessary. It also facilitates communication with stakeholders about expected delivery timeframes.
Regular monitoring and updating of the schedule ensures it remains a reliable tool for managing the project's time dimension and supports informed decision-making throughout the project's duration.
Schedule in PRINCE2: Complete Guide for PRINCE2 Foundation V7
What is a Schedule in PRINCE2?
A Schedule in PRINCE2 is a graphical representation of a plan that shows when activities and events are planned to happen. It is a key component of the Plans practice and provides a timeline view of the work to be completed during a project. The schedule transforms the product-based planning approach into a time-based format that stakeholders can easily understand.
Why is the Schedule Important?
The schedule serves several critical purposes in PRINCE2 projects:
• Communication tool: It provides a clear visual representation of when work will be done, making it easier to communicate plans to team members and stakeholders
• Resource allocation: Helps identify when resources are needed and highlights potential conflicts or overallocation
• Progress tracking: Enables the project manager to monitor actual progress against planned timelines
• Dependency management: Shows the relationships between activities and helps identify the critical path
• Decision support: Assists in making informed decisions about trade-offs between time, cost, and scope
How Does the Schedule Work in PRINCE2?
The schedule is created as part of the planning process and follows these key principles:
1. Based on Product-Based Planning: The schedule is derived from the product breakdown structure and product descriptions. Activities are identified based on what products need to be created.
2. Includes Activities and Dependencies: Each activity required to create products is listed with its duration and any dependencies on other activities.
3. Shows Milestones: Key decision points and deliverable completions are marked as milestones.
4. Identifies the Critical Path: The longest sequence of dependent activities determines the minimum project duration.
5. Contains Float/Slack: Non-critical activities have float time, showing flexibility in their scheduling.
Common scheduling techniques include Gantt charts and network diagrams, both of which can represent PRINCE2 schedules effectively.
Key Elements of a PRINCE2 Schedule:
• Start and end dates for activities • Activity durations • Dependencies between activities • Resource assignments • Milestones and checkpoints • Management stages and their boundaries
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Schedule in PRINCE2
Tip 1: Remember that the schedule is an output of the Plans practice, not a separate practice itself. Questions may test whether you understand where scheduling fits within PRINCE2.
Tip 2: Understand the relationship between products and activities. The schedule shows when products will be created, but the product breakdown structure shows what needs to be created.
Tip 3: Know that PRINCE2 does not mandate a specific scheduling tool or technique. Gantt charts, network diagrams, or other methods are all acceptable as long as they serve the project's needs.
Tip 4: Be clear on the difference between a plan and a schedule. A plan is comprehensive and includes approach, assumptions, and prerequisites. A schedule is the time-based representation within that plan.
Tip 5: When questions mention the critical path, remember this represents activities with zero float - any delay on these activities will delay the entire project.
Tip 6: The schedule is updated throughout the project as part of controlling a stage and managing stage boundaries. It is not a static document created once and never changed.
Tip 7: Look for answers that emphasize the schedule as a communication and control tool rather than just a planning document.
Common Exam Question Types:
• Identifying what information appears in a schedule • Understanding when schedules are created and updated • Recognizing the purpose of scheduling within project management • Distinguishing between different planning elements