Principles of scheduling

Scheduling is the process of deciding in what order and when the project's activities will be done. The following principles help to build a realistic and controllable schedule.

1. Base the schedule on the WBS: schedule every work package; no work outside the WBS.
2. Define clear activities and dependencies: use finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, start-to-finish relationships; recognise mandatory, discretionary and external dependencies.
3. Estimate durations realistically: involve the people who will do the work; use three-point estimates; do not pad hidden buffers.
4. Identify the critical path: focus management on activities with zero float.
5. Consider resource availability: schedule with actual resource limits, apply levelling and avoid over-allocation.
6. Include milestones for key deliverables and approvals.
7. Use appropriate level of detail: more detail for near-term work, less for future (rolling wave).
8. Allow for risk and contingency: add schedule reserves or project buffer instead of padding every activity.
9. Do not over-commit people: assume productive time (e.g. 6 hours/day), not full 8.
10. Baseline and track the schedule: save an approved baseline, compare progress, update regularly.
11. Communicate the schedule to all stakeholders using Gantt charts and milestone charts.
12. Control changes: revise only through change control.
13. Keep the schedule simple and flexible: use suitable software; update as information changes.
14. Involve the team to gain commitment.
15. Consider calendars: holidays, working days (e.g. Dashain, Tihar in Nepal), shifts.

Following these principles reduces delays and cost overruns.