Developing the Project Schedule: A Core Planning Process
PMBOK v8 Definition
Developing the project schedule is the process of analyzing activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule model for execution, monitoring, and control. It is part of the Planning Process Group and falls under the Schedule Management performance domain.
Why It Matters for the Exam
This is a heavily tested area because it integrates multiple knowledge areas (scope, resources, cost) and is central to project performance measurement. Expect questions on schedule network analysis, critical path method (CPM), float, and schedule compression techniques.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Main Input: Activity list, duration estimates, resource requirements, and the project schedule network diagram.
- Main Output: The project schedule model, which is used to generate schedules, reports, and forecasts.
- Key Tool: Scheduling tools and techniques are used to analyze activity sequences and create the model.
- Schedule Model Development: The scheduling methodology and tool are specified in the schedule management plan.
- Adaptive Life Cycles: For adaptive approaches, the plan specifies release and iteration length (timeboxed periods).
- Essential Elements: Complete schedule documentation includes task dependencies, durations, resource allocations, and milestones.
- Holistic Planning: The delivery schedule must demonstrate the project is planned holistically with no gaps or misalignment.
Typical PMI Exam Example
You are a project manager developing the schedule. You have your activity list, duration estimates, and a network diagram showing dependencies. What is your NEXT step to create the initial schedule? (The correct answer would involve using scheduling tools and techniques to analyze sequences and constraints, leading to the project schedule model.)
PMI Exam Traps
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Trap: Thinking the schedule is just a Gantt chart.
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Reality: The primary output is the project schedule model, which is used to generate various schedule views and reports.
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Trap: Believing schedule development is a one-time activity at project start.
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Reality: It's an iterative process, especially in adaptive life cycles where timeboxing is used for releases and iterations.
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Trap: Confusing the schedule management plan (how) with the schedule model (what).
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Reality: The plan specifies the methodology; the model is the output of applying that methodology to project data.
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Trap: Assuming all schedule details are fixed early on.
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Reality: The schedule management plan establishes the level of accuracy and appropriate control thresholds for monitoring.
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Scope Baseline | Input / Foundation | The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is decomposed to create activities. Schedule must align with project scope. |
| Project Phases & Life Cycle | Guides Approach | The development approach (predictive, adaptive) dictates the scheduling technique (CPM vs. timeboxing). |
| Monitor & Control Schedule | Uses Output for Control | The project schedule model is the baseline against which performance is measured using tools like Earned Value Management (EVM). |
| Resources | Constraint / Input | Resource requirements and availability are key inputs. Resource leveling is a common technique to optimize the schedule. |
Quick Review Questions
- What is the key output of the Develop Schedule process?
- In an adaptive life cycle, what does the schedule management plan specify regarding time periods?
- What are the four essential elements that should be included in schedule documentation?
- What document specifies the scheduling methodology and tool to be used for developing the project schedule model?
- True or False: The project schedule model and the Gantt chart are the same thing.
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 3.7 - Schedule Management Performance Domain. The process details are integrated within the discussion of planning and delivering project outcomes.