Project managers use project schedules to prevent problems. In fact, they help project managers efficiently communicate and collaborate with their teams and stakeholders. Project managers should use it to ensure the project remains on track. Let’s go a bit deeper to know more about it.
What is the project schedule?
The project schedule is a tool that helps project managers to communicate what work needs to be done and which resources will perform the work. In fact, it describes the project’s deliverables, their deadlines and the resources that will execute each activity. In addition, it includes the estimated budget and costs of the project and the amount of time it will take to complete the project.
Depending on the complexity and length of the project, the project schedule can be either a simple chronological task list or a complex network of interrelated tasks.
How to create a project schedule
Let’s see what the basic steps are to create a project schedule.
Identify project activities
You need to identify what the activities of your project are. You can start organizing the project activities and tasks to complete the project with success.
Make estimates
When you have identified the activities and tasks, you need to determine the time and effort it will take to complete them. This is a critical step in order to create an effective schedule.
Discover task dependencies
Usually, project tasks are linked to each other. This happens because of dependencies. When you build your schedule you need to create links to reflect those dependencies.
Identify resources
To finalize the project schedule you need to understand the resources you need to complete those tasks on time. In fact, you need to put together a team in order to manage all tasks you have put in your project schedule.
Keep in mind
A project schedule helps project managers to monitor each aspect of the project. An efficient schedule will help you manage time and resources. Finally, it also allows you to determine the capacity of your team, and most importantly, to identify who the right people are for your project.
