Scheduling“Defined in its simplest form, a schedule is a logical sequence of activities and events organized by time. In its more complex form, a schedule encompasses all activities and their relationships to each other; furthermore, it also establishes the framework in terms of realistic approach, period of time, constraints, available funds, and resource loading.” Prolific-Technology, LLC (PTCGL) uses scheduling as a key aspect of project management planning and an integral tool to a project’s acquisition strategy, risk management, and financial and technical management plans. In addition, scheduling is an important element of the other management functions including organizing, staffing, controlling, and leading. Effective scheduling provides the basis for effective communications within our team and with contractors; identifies a baseline for project status monitoring, reporting, and project control; facilitates effective management and provides the basis for resource analysis and leveling, exploration of alternatives, and cost/time tradeoff studies. PTCGL’s scheduling approach incorporates permitting, engineering, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations activities into a single database or enterprise environment. Our steps in schedule development include:
A schedule is such a powerful planning, control, and communications tool that when properly executed supports time and cost estimates, opens communications among personnel involved in project activities, and establishes a commitment to project activities. One of PTCGL’s business practices is the use of integrated scheduling which allows the project team to look beyond their scope of responsibility and anticipate what’s next. In order to keep the project on track and deliver on every project, we unite a team with industry expertise and world-class experience. We focus on structuring and managing projects to achieve clients’ critical business goals. The purpose of this effort is to gather an understanding of the requirements for our clients’ project scheduling needs, demonstrate how we can assist with advancing their decision-making practices, and provide guidance for increased operational readiness. Within the schedule content, schedule trending, derivatives, and analytical outputs, our objective is to assure that there is a high level of confidence in the schedule. The ownership of schedule content and accuracy resides with our clients. As a management tool, it is incumbent on those clients’ to assure timely and accurate progress updates for their work. When this process is rigorously followed, the client can be confident that schedule output represents a reliable basis for project trending and scope management. On the other hand, poor scheduling can adversely impact a project in a number of areas. Haphazard schedules can make it difficult to determine a realistic completion date and to efficiently allocate resources to the entire project. This creates financial problems including escalation of project costs, increased support costs, delayed return on investment, funding cuts, or project termination. Therefore our clients must have a good working knowledge of scheduling practices and applications (such as Gantt charts, milestones, and network schedules) to achieve project goals. PTCGL brings value by helping to construct detailed schedules and analyze schedules created by other contractors. |
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