Hello again, construction aficionados! If you’ve been
keeping up with our blogs, you’re now familiar with the basics of Planning
Engineering, the essential skills required, the critical role of planning
engineers in project management, the top software tools we use, and the
importance of project scheduling. Today, we’re going to get straight into the
details and understand on how to create an effective project schedule. Think of
it as building a blueprint for success—without it, your construction project could
end up resembling a DIY gone wrong. So, strap in and let’s get into the
step-by-step process of crafting a project schedule:
Step 1: Define the Project Scope and Objectives
Before you even think about timelines and tasks, you need to
understand the scope and objectives of your project. This is where you should
describe the purpose of your project, the specific goal, the objective that
must be met.
Example: Imagine you’re building a skyscraper. Your scope
includes everything starting right from the ground on which the skyscraper will
be built up to fixing the hot tub on the penthouse floor.
Step 2: Break Down the Work
The steps that follow are breaking the project into parts,
choosing manageable parts. This process is called as Work Breakdown Structure or
mostly abbreviated as WBS. To meet the requirements of system integration, it
is like taking a huge and formidable burger and serving it in portions.
Example: For our skyscraper, the WBS might include phases
like site preparation, foundation work, structural framing, exterior finishing,
and interior fitting.
Step 3: Identify Tasks and Activities
Having developed your WBS, outline all the activities and
all the work on each phase that is needed to accomplish the works. This is
usually where you get down to specifics.
Example: For the foundation phase, tasks might include
excavation, pouring concrete, curing, and waterproofing.
Step 4: Determine Task Dependencies/Relationships
Some tasks can’t start until others are finished. These are
known as dependencies/relationships. It is, therefore, essential that these are
mapped out so that schedule problems can be prevented.
Example: Framing of structures needs the foundation to be
set and this explains why the process cannot commence before the foundation is
laid unless you want to see building collapsing like a house of cards!)
Step 5: Estimate Durations
Now, measure in minutes or hours, how long each of the tasks
will take. Be practical—yes, hope is all well and good, but it is not going to
help the concrete to set any quicker.
Example: Excavation might take two to three weeks, while
pouring concrete including formwork installation and steel fixing might take
another week and curing will be for yet another week.
Step 6: Allocate Resources
Identify the item and number needed for each task – people,
materials, and tools. One thing which eventually helps to identify these
numbers are the “Productivities” (will be discussed in later blogs). This
serves to guide one on the available financial resources and ensure particular
goods and services are procured at the appropriate time.
Example: You’ll need excavators, concrete mixers, and a team
of skilled workers for the foundation phase.
Step 7: Develop the Schedule
Based on your tasks, dependencies, durations, and resources
create your project schedule. This can be done by scheduling software; the
Primavera P6 software, Microsoft project software or even Microsoft Excel.
Arrange activities in a sequential manner and develop the plan displaying the
start and finish dates of the activity.
Example: Your timetable may have excavation as from 1st -
14th of January the next activity may be pouring concrete from 15th - 21st of
January while the last one which is curing is for 22nd - 28th of January.
Step 8: Identify the Critical Path
The critical path is the sequence of tasks that determines
the shortest possible duration for the project. Identifying this path helps you
focus on the tasks that are crucial for timely project completion.
Example: If any task on the critical path, like pouring
concrete, gets delayed, the entire project will be delayed.
Step 9: Add Buffers and Contingencies
Expect the unexpected. Accompany schedules with buffers and
contingencies that can be very useful in case of adverse conditions. That’s like
taking an umbrella to a football game, an activity that has no chance of rain
involved, just in case it rains.
Example: Include a buffer week between curing and structural
framing to account for any unforeseen delays.
Step 10: Review and Approve
This is probably the concluding step where the information
first developed and then disseminated is reviewed and approved by the authoring
organization or stakeholders.
Example: Another great practice is to call a project
manager, site supervisors and necessary stakeholders to discuss the schedule
and to introduce changes, if any.
Step 11: Monitor and Update Regularly
Just as it was said, developing the schedule is quite easy,
in this case, the next step begins. Tracking the progress should be done
frequently and if necessary, the schedule should be adjusted. This gets you
back in the right direction and allows you to correct what you are doing.
Example: If the excavation is delayed due to unexpected rock
formations, update the schedule to reflect the new timeline.
Conclusion: Your Blueprint for Success
Creating an effective project schedule is like crafting a
masterpiece. It requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a dash of
foresight. With a solid schedule in hand, you’re equipped to tackle any
construction project with confidence. Remember, the key is to be flexible and
adaptive—because in the world of construction, the only constant is change.
So, whether you’re building a modest house or a towering
skyscraper, follow these steps to create a project schedule that sets you up
for success. Until next time, keep those schedules tight and those projects
running like a well-oiled machine!
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