Draft Sequence: The 4-Step Scheduling Process for Schedule Development

PMBOK v8 Definition

The Draft Sequence process is a critical component of schedule development where activities are sequenced, estimated, and adjusted to create a viable project schedule. The process involves four steps: sequencing activities, estimating resources, estimating durations, and adjusting the draft schedule. Once finalized, the schedule contains a series of unique activities that have varying durations and are linked by defined logical relationships, providing the project team with information about what work should be done and in what sequence the project deliverables should be accomplished.

This concept falls under the Time Management Knowledge Area within the Planning Process Group.

Why It Matters for the Exam

The Draft Sequence process appears frequently in PMI exam questions testing your understanding of how schedules are built iteratively. Questions typically present scenarios where a draft schedule is unacceptable and ask which adjustment technique should be applied, or they test your knowledge of what happens during each of the four steps. Expect situational questions where you must identify the correct sequence of steps or recognize when resource leveling is required before baseline approval.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Four Sequential Steps: Sequence → Estimate Resources → Estimate Durations → Adjust
• Step 4 (Adjust) is Critical: Reviewing the draft schedule based on sequence, estimates, and resources; if unacceptable, apply techniques to find alternative options
• Resource Estimates Influence Acceptability: Resource estimates may determine whether the draft schedule is acceptable or requires further adjustment and revision
• Final Output: A schedule with unique activities, varying durations, and defined logical relationships
• Common Confusion: The draft schedule is NOT the baseline; it must be reviewed and adjusted before approval
• Key Check: Identify conflicts with logical relationships and determine if resource leveling is required before the schedule is approved and used as a baseline

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager has completed sequencing activities, estimating resources, and estimating durations. The resulting draft schedule shows the project will finish three months late. According to PMBOK v8, what should the project manager do next?

Answer: Apply adjustment techniques to find alternative schedule options (Step 4: Adjust).

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing "Adjust" step with "Monitor and Control Schedule"

  • Reality: Adjust is part of developing the draft schedule; Monitor and Control happens after baseline approval

• Trap: Thinking the draft schedule is immediately approved as the baseline

  • Reality: The draft schedule must be reviewed for conflicts and resource leveling needs before approval

• Trap: Believing resource estimation happens after the draft schedule is complete

  • Reality: With a draft schedule, it is easier and more accurate to estimate resources, and those estimates may influence acceptability

• Trap: Confusing predictive vs. adaptive scheduling approaches

  • Reality: In predictive life cycles, schedules are defined up front with formal change control; in adaptive, schedules are flexible with sprints/iterations

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. What are the four sequential steps of the Draft Sequence process for schedule development?

2. When a draft schedule is unacceptable, what should the project manager do according to PMBOK v8?

3. Why might resource estimates influence whether a draft schedule is acceptable or requires adjustment?

4. What must be identified and determined before a draft schedule is approved and used as a baseline?

5. In a predictive life cycle, how are changes to the schedule baseline handled differently than in an adaptive life cycle?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 2.3.2.2 - Develop Schedule (Draft Sequence process) Section 2.3.2.3 - Monitor and Control Schedule