Scheduling Principles and Concepts

Scheduling Principles and Concepts form the foundation of effective project management in the PMI Scheduling Professional context. These principles guide how project activities are sequenced, resourced, and monitored through time. At its core, scheduling begins with defining the project scope via a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), identifying all deliverables and activities. Each activity requires estimation of duration, resources, and dependencies. Dependencies between activities create logical relationships (Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish, Start-to-Finish) that determine the sequence of work. The Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies the sequence of activities that determines the project duration, where any delay impacts the overall timeline. Scheduling utilizes various techniques including the Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) to visualize relationships, Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) for statistical duration estimates, and resource leveling to optimize allocation. The schedule baseline serves as a reference point for measuring progress. Float (or slack) represents flexibility within activity timing, while buffers are deliberately inserted time reserves. Progressive elaboration allows schedules to become more detailed as information emerges. Rolling wave planning details near-term work while keeping future work at higher levels. Schedule compression techniques include fast-tracking (parallel activities) and crashing (adding resources), each with trade-offs. Scheduling also addresses resource constraints, calendar restrictions, and risk factors. Schedule risk analysis evaluates uncertainty in activity durations. Modern scheduling employs Critical Chain Project Management to focus on resource constraints and protect against variability. Effective scheduling requires continuous monitoring and controlling through performance metrics like Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Schedule Variance (SV), enabling proactive management.

Scheduling Principles and Concepts form the foundation of effective project management in the PMI Scheduling Professional context. These principles guide how project activities are sequenced, resourc…

Concepts covered: Critical Path Method (CPM), Schedule Risk Analysis, Resource Optimization Techniques, Schedule Network Analysis, Schedule Compression Techniques, Schedule Baseline, Resource Leveling and Resource Smoothing, Schedule Monitoring and Control, Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)