Time Management

Project Time Management is a critical knowledge area in PMP, focused on ensuring project completion within approved timeframes. It encompasses several interrelated processes that help define, sequence, estimate, develop, and control the project schedule. The first process is Plan Schedule Management, which establishes policies, procedures, and documentation for planning, developing, managing, executing, and controlling the project schedule. This creates a roadmap for how schedule management will be conducted. Define Activities breaks down work packages into specific activities that need scheduling. These activities represent the work needed to complete each work package. Sequence Activities determines the logical relationships between activities. Using techniques like Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), dependencies are identified (Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish, Start-to-Finish). Estimate Activity Resources identifies the type and quantities of materials, human resources, equipment, or supplies required to perform each activity. Estimate Activity Durations develops approximations of the work periods needed to complete individual activities with estimated resources. Develop Schedule analyzes activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule model. Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies activities with zero float, which determine the project's minimum duration. Control Schedule monitors project status, updates progress, and manages changes to the schedule baseline. Techniques include performance reviews, variance analysis, and schedule compression (fast-tracking or crashing). Effective time management requires understanding float (slack time), resource leveling, critical chain methods, and schedule compression techniques. Project managers must balance scope, time, and cost constraints while adapting to changing conditions. Sophisticated scheduling software helps visualize dependencies, track progress, and simulate scenarios. Ultimately, successful time management ensures realistic scheduling, efficient resource allocation, and timely project delivery.

Project Time Management is a critical knowledge area in PMP, focused on ensuring project completion within approved timeframes. It encompasses several interrelated processes that help define, sequenc…

Concepts covered: Critical Path Method, Earned Value Management, Project Time Estimation, Schedule Development, Schedule Management, Activity Definition, Resource Leveling, Activity Sequencing, Schedule Control, Activity Resource Estimation