Schedule Compression Techniques

Schedule Compression Techniques are methods used by project managers to shorten or accelerate the project schedule duration while maintaining the original project scope. These techniques are typically employed when a project is behind schedule or when there's a need to complete the project earlier than planned. The two primary schedule compression techniques are: 1. Crashing: This involves adding resources to critical path activities to reduce their duration. For example, approving overtime, adding more staff, or using more efficient equipment. Crashing usually increases project costs and requires a cost-benefit analysis to determine which activities provide the best schedule reduction per additional cost unit. 2. Fast Tracking: This technique involves performing activities in parallel that would normally be done in sequence. For example, starting design of certain components before the overall design is completely finished, or beginning construction while final design details are still being completed. Fast tracking may increase risks and rework if the parallel activities have dependencies. Other schedule compression approaches include: - Resource optimization: Reallocating resources from non-critical to critical activities - Scope reduction: Eliminating or modifying deliverables (though this changes the project scope) - Calendar adjustments: Modifying working times or removing constraints - Lead/lag time adjustments: Reducing waiting periods between activities When implementing schedule compression, project managers must carefully evaluate the potential impacts on quality, risk, cost, and resources. The critical path and near-critical paths must be constantly monitored as compression may cause non-critical paths to become critical. Successful schedule compression requires strong communication with stakeholders about the changes and their implications, as well as careful documentation in the schedule management plan and project schedule.

Schedule Compression Techniques are methods used by project managers to shorten or accelerate the project schedule duration while maintaining the original project scope. These techniques are typicall…

Concepts covered: Crashing, Critical Chain Method, Resource Optimization Techniques, Use of Overtime, Scope Reduction, Overlapping Phases, Use of Leads and Lags, Schedule Re-sequencing, Fast Tracking