Project time management process group

The time management process group is a logical mechanism for taking a project plan and creating a sequence and schedule for producing the project deliverables. The time management process group is required throughout all phases of the project lifecycle. In the initiation phase the schedule is normally derived at a high level. This provides a frame in which the project plan evolves as the project iterates between the planning, execution and monitoring phases, until a detailed schedule for project closure matures.

The time management process group consists of six processes:

  1. Activity definition: the deliverables of the project are established at the lowest level and the activities required to achieve them are defined.

  2. Activity sequencing: the logical order for the activities to occur is determined and recorded.

  3. Activity resource estimating: the resource requirements to fulfil the requirements of the activity sequencing process are estimated.

  4. Activity duration estimating: the process by which the durations of the activities are estimated.

  5. Schedule development: a frequentative process by which the activity schedule is developed.

  6. Schedule control: the process that the project manager employs to keep the project on schedule.

These processes do not have to occur sequentially. It is most effective when all six have been determined at a high level and then refined, until the point when sufficient detail to execute the task is reached. Recognizing when this point is reached is a skill that makes the project manager worth his salt (and from which his salary is derived). In general, the level of detail needed is proportional to its level of risk and uncertainty. For this reason, time management planning should not be carried out in isolation but with the input of the project team who are going to execute the tasks. This ensures that the sequencing and activity duration estimates are as realistic as possible.

Top of Page



Definitive Guide to Project Management. The Fast Track to Getting the Job Done on Time and on Budget
The Definitive Guide to Project Management: The fast track to getting the job done on time and on budget (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0273710974
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 217
Authors: Sebastian Nokes
BUY ON AMAZON

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net