Navigating Schedule Changes in Project Management
Control Schedule is a critical process in project schedule management. It involves monitoring the project status to update the project schedule and manage changes to the schedule baseline. This process is carried out throughout the project duration and requires knowledge of the actual performance to date.
The main advantage of the Control Schedule process is the maintenance of the schedule baseline throughout the project. Any alterations to the schedule baseline must be approved through the Perform Integrated Change Control process, of which Control Schedule is a part.
Key components of the Control Schedule process include determining the current status of the project schedule, influencing factors that create schedule changes, reconsidering necessary schedule reserves, and managing actual changes as they occur.
When using an agile approach, Control Schedule involves determining the current status of the project schedule by comparing the total amount of work delivered and accepted against the estimates of work completed for the elapsed time cycle. It also includes conducting retrospectives, reprioritizing the remaining work plan, determining the rate at which the deliverables are produced, validated, and accepted (also known as velocity), and managing actual changes as they occur.
Regular and milestone status updates from contractors and suppliers are essential when work is being contracted. These updates ensure that the work is progressing as agreed and the schedule is under control. Scheduled status reviews and walkthroughs are necessary to verify the accuracy and completeness of contractor reports.