Schedule Management

Question 1

Which structures assist in defining the scope of a project?

Answer 1

1. Product breakdown structure
2. Work breakdown structure
3. Cost breakdown structure

Question 2

How should a risk to the project schedule be managed?

Answer 2

1. Develop contingency plans
2. Communicate potential risks and delays to stakeholders
3. Identify additional resources to support completion

Question 3

Why is it important to re-estimate the project schedule at the end of concept?

Answer 3

The project team is now formed and has started more detailed planning, meaning estimates can be more accurate.

Question 4

Why is it important to clearly define the project scope at an early stage?

Answer 4

1. Avoids misunderstanding what the project is delivering
2. Can reduce the number of future change requests
3. Ensures stakeholder expectations can be met
4. Avoids disappointing stakeholders at a later date
5. Can reduce risk of delay
6. Enables effective planning
7. Can reduce risk of overspend

Question 5

How can BAU affect a project’s schedule?

Answer 5

1. Conflicts between BAU and project needs can affect the project schedule
2. Dependencies on a BAU output that becomes delayed
3. Shared resources that are not available when needed (e.g. equipment, stakeholders, team members)
4. Confusion over the project scope can lead stakeholders to expect BAU activity to be delivered within the project

Question 7

Why should regular re-estimations of the project’s schedule and costs be conducted?

Answer 7

Any and all reasons for delays and increased/decreased costs.

E.g.
1. Deliveries of materials could be delayed, requiring schedule extension
2. Materials could increase in cost and therefore budget require adjusting
3. Project resource may unexpectedly change, requiring schedule extension
4. Change in legislation requiring additional/different quality checks

Question 8

What are the benefits of completing regular re-estimations?

Answer 8

1. Reduced contingency reserves needed
2. Greater involvement of project team
3. Opportunity to incorporate lessons learned
4. More opportunity to assess and respond to risks
5. Minimise estimating errors

Question 9

What is a critical path?

Answer 9

The critical path showcases the activity of the project, and the shortest possible timeframe to complete them.

Question 10

What is a critical chain?

Answer 10

A critical chain showcases project resource capacity and seeks to keep them in constant utility.