The ability to deliver projects on schedule is a primary indicator of a project manager's effectiveness. This "On Time, On Target: Schedule Management and Critical Path Method Training Course" is your key to mastering the tools and techniques required to plan, develop, and control project timelines with precision. We will delve into the principles of effective scheduling, helping you to accurately sequence activities, estimate their durations, and identify potential risks to your timeline. This course is for professionals who understand that a well-managed schedule is not just a plan—it's a critical component of project success.

Over the course of 10 days, this program will provide a deep dive into the Critical Path Method (CPM), the industry-standard technique for project scheduling. You will learn to identify the longest sequence of tasks in a project, determining the minimum time required for completion and highlighting the activities that have the greatest impact on the final deadline. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in building and managing a project schedule, communicating timeline status to stakeholders, and making proactive decisions to keep your projects on track and on time.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Program Managers
• Project Schedulers
• Business Analysts
• Team Leaders
• Portfolio Managers
• IT and Engineering professionals
• Construction Managers
• Event Planners
• Individuals responsible for delivering projects on time

Objectives:

• Understand the importance of a project schedule
• Master the process of defining project activities
• Sequence activities and create a network diagram
• Estimate activity durations accurately
• Apply the Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Identify schedule risks and constraints
• Develop a robust schedule baseline
• Track and report on schedule performance
• Learn how to manage schedule changes
• Use scheduling software effectively

Course Modules:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Scheduling

• The role of the project schedule
• The importance of a schedule baseline
• Common scheduling terminology
• The relationship between schedule and scope
• The benefits of a well-defined timeline

Module 2: Defining Project Activities

• The importance of a work breakdown structure (WBS)
• How to break down work into manageable activities
• The process of creating an activity list
• The role of a WBS dictionary
• The benefits of a detailed activity definition

Module 3: Sequencing Activities

• The importance of logical relationships
• Understanding dependency types
• The concept of a network diagram
• The role of lead and lag time
• Best practices for activity sequencing

Module 4: Estimating Activity Durations

• The importance of realistic estimates
• The one-point estimating technique
• The three-point estimating technique (PERT)
• The role of historical data and expert judgment
• How to document your assumptions

Module 5: The Critical Path Method (CPM)

• What is the critical path?
• The role of early and late start/finish dates
• The concept of float or slack
• How to calculate the critical path
• The importance of focusing on critical activities

Module 6: Schedule Risk Management

• The importance of identifying schedule risks
• Common sources of schedule risk
• The process of qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Developing a risk response plan
• The role of a contingency reserve

Module 7: Schedule Development

• The process of building a project schedule
• Using scheduling software to create your timeline
• The role of milestones and key dates
• Gaining stakeholder approval for the schedule
• The importance of a formal schedule baseline

Module 8: Schedule Control

• The importance of monitoring progress
• How to track actual start and finish dates
• The role of a change control board
• Techniques for adjusting the schedule
• The importance of communicating changes

Module 9: Schedule Reporting

• The importance of regular schedule reports
• Key metrics to track and report on
• Creating simple visual reports
• Communicating schedule status to stakeholders
• The role of a Gantt chart

Module 10: Resource Management

• The importance of resource leveling
• The concept of resource constraints
• How to optimize resource allocation
• The role of a resource calendar
• The benefits of proactive resource management

Module 11: Agile Scheduling

• The role of a project roadmap
• The concept of sprints and iterations
• How to manage a backlog
• The importance of a sprint burndown chart
• The benefits of an iterative approach

Module 12: Advanced CPM Techniques

• The use of dummy activities
• Advanced network diagramming
• Using software for complex CPM calculations
• The role of a project scheduling professional
• The importance of staying current with industry best practices

Module 13: Schedule Constraints

• The importance of identifying constraints
• The different types of constraints
• How to deal with schedule constraints
• The role of external factors
• The benefits of a flexible approach

Module 14: Earned Value Management (EVM) for Schedule

• What is EVM?
• How to calculate Schedule Variance (SV) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
• The importance of EVM for predicting performance
• The relationship between EVM and schedule control
• The benefits of a data-driven approach

Module 15: Practical Application and Case Studies

• Analyzing a real-world case study
• Developing a complete project schedule
• Presenting your schedule to a mock group of stakeholders
• Responding to schedule-related questions
• The importance of a realistic scenario

Module 16: The Art of Negotiation

• Understanding different negotiation styles
• Preparing for a negotiation
• Finding common ground
• How to handle difficult discussions
• The importance of a win-win mindset

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.