Project Time Management

What is the best way to manage time on a project?

The proper management of time on every project is essential. It is also one of the most challenging tasks and can be the main cause of conflict on a project. Every client and project manager wants the timely completion of a project- in this, they have a common goal. There are several processes that can assist in the successful completion of a timely project.

The 6 steps to follow are:

1. Activity Definition - is identifying the specific activities the team members and stakeholders are responsible for to produce the projects deliverables. Every member should have a responsibility within the project. For every project manager delegating will be a necessary undertaking.
2. Activity Sequencing - identifies and documents the relationships between project activities. Many separate components on each project will be linked by a common denominator so scheduling the common element appropriately to keep the project on task is essential. (See Figure 3.1 below for example.)
3. Activity Resource Estimating - is calculating the amount of resources a project team should use to perform the project activities. This includes, the amount of people on the project (headcount), the equipment used and materials needed.
4. Activity Duration Estimating - involves estimating the number of work periods that are needed to complete each individual activity. The duration includes the actual physical amount of time spent on the activity.
5. Schedule Development - is the analyzing of activity sequences, resource estimates and the duration estimates to produce a number of schedules for keeping the project focused.
6. Schedule Control - is self explanatory. Maintaining it with up-to-date information is crucial to keep the project on-time. The more time spent to keep the project in sync and overcoming any bottlenecks quickly will be the key to a successful completion.

There are several types of software available to assist in project time management. Microsoft Office Project management software has been specifically designed to produce numerous charts such as Gantt charts to help build time management skills.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/project/FX100487771033.aspx


For a Microsoft Office Project 2007 Demo click here:
http://office.microsoft.com/assistance/asstvid.aspx?assetid=XT100627731033&vwidth=700&vheight=530&type=flash&CTT=11&Origin=HA101672711033






Figure 3.1

Calculating The Critical Path=
Determining the Shortest time in which a project can be completed

Reflection

Having been involved with the construction of a one-of-a-kind home, time was one of the most important factors. The owner had a move in date and had sold his other house so the closing date and our finish date had to be timed so that he could move in without interruption from work that had yet to be completed.

The backhoe operator had to be done before the basement could be put in. The basement had to be done before the framing could begin, etc. The timing for finishing the radiant heat system was crucial to the delivery of the cement to finish the floor and cover the pipes.

Co-ordinating the plumber, electrician, insulator, dry wall and plasterer was important so as not to have them in each others way or standing around being paid while waiting for the chance to do their job. If this happens you not only increase the cost but also the time and you could lose a contractor to another job which means you have to find someone else and could increase your time and cost again.