--- title: "Why schedule is important in planning" subject: "Project Engineering" chapter: 3 key: "semester_7/project_engineering:schedule-importance-planning" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/schedule-importance-planning site: BCT Engineering --- # Why schedule is important in planning Project Engineering · Chapter 3: Project Planning and Scheduling - Asked in: 2075 Chaitra, 3 marks - Video: [What is Project Planning and Scheduling? | Key Scheduling Techniques Explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZHpJaoWgLE) — projectcubicle - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/schedule-importance-planning - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-3 ## Question Why is schedule important in planning a project? ## Short answer The schedule provides a time-table of activities, fixing the completion date and critical path. It enables resource planning, cash flow forecasting, progress monitoring, and forms the basis for contract claims and communication. ## Answer A **schedule** converts the plan into a time-table: it gives the start and finish time of every activity and the project completion date. It is important because: - **Fixes the completion date.** The project duration and the critical activities are known. - **Co-ordinates work.** Each party knows when its work starts and what must be finished before it. - **Resource planning.** Labour, equipment and material are arranged in time from the schedule, avoiding idle time and shortage. - **Cash flow and finance.** Payments, loan withdrawals and bills depend on when the work is done. - **Basis for control.** Actual progress is compared with the schedule; delay is detected early and corrective action taken. - **Float is known.** Non-critical activities can be shifted to level resources. - **Contract and claims.** The approved schedule is used to assess delay, extension of time and liquidated damages. - **Communication.** Gives clients and management a clear picture of progress. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What does a schedule do to the plan? A. Lists only the cost of each activity B. Replaces the need for resources C. Converts it into a time-table with start and finish of each activity and the completion date D. Shows only the organisation chart Answer: C. A schedule gives dates for every activity and the project end. (Key point: Schedule meaning) 2. How does a schedule help control? A. It prevents all delays automatically B. Actual progress is compared with it so delay is detected early C. It removes the need to record progress D. It fixes the cost of materials Answer: B. The schedule is the baseline against which progress is measured. (Key point: Control) 3. Why is a schedule important for finance? A. Payments, loan withdrawals and bills depend on when the work is done B. It sets the interest rate of the loan C. It decides the contractor's profit D. It removes the need for payments Answer: A. Timing of work drives timing of money requirements. (Key point: Cash flow) 4. What can the approved schedule be used for in contract matters? A. Selecting the design code B. Deciding the soil bearing capacity C. Choosing the project name D. Assessing delay, extension of time and liquidated damages Answer: D. The approved schedule is the reference for delay and time-extension claims. 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