6 THE PREFERRED OPTION

Introduction

The process of reaching a preferred option should be documented and the preferred option formally approved. Once this is done, a number of simple procedures should be carried out. The aim of these is to enable the project model to be used as "instrumentation" with which to guide the project.

Baseline the project model of your preferred option

Basically, this means taking a snapshot of your project model. Actuals will then be recorded against this so that the accuracy or otherwise of the model can be determined, and the model can be recalibrated where necessary.

All PC-based tools provide a facility for doing this. Alternatively you can merely lay out your plan with:

• two columns for estimated schedule and effort “ these will have values in them

• two columns for actual schedule and effort “ these can be filled in as the project proceeds

Extract major milestones

The major project milestones should be extracted from the project model and explicitly stated in the project plan. These will serve:

• As useful intermediate targets to be met

• As an early warning system if the milestones aren't met