This exercise begins with information for a building project. Working in Microsoft Project, you will create the task list, including summary tasks and their sub-tasks, create links between tasks and their predecessors, add resources, and make changes to the original plan.
This exercise begins with information for a building project. Working in Microsoft Project, you will create the task list, including summary tasks and their sub-tasks, create links between tasks and their predecessors, add resources, and make changes to the original plan. A. Enter the following tasks, including the specified duration, specified predecessors, and specified resources. Tasks that are bolded are summary tasks and the indented tasks are sub-tasks. HW7 Tasks File (I attach the file). Make the start date of the project: December 15th, 2015. B. Identify the original finish date for the entire project. Save the baseline for the project. C. You now have received the following update from the field: items 1-20 completed on time; item 21 delayed as inspector was on vacation causing a 3-day delay, but now is complete; item 24 wallboard is 50% complete; item 25 stairway is 65% complete; item 26 since the painting contractor could not start on time he has now informed you that he has started another job and you will have to wait until it is done. The new date he will be available to start is May 5th, 2016; item 28 the landscape crew says the raised garden material will not arrive on time and he is not able to start until May 19th, 2016. Input the above data into project (do not change the baseline plan). Annotate reasons for schedule changes (e.g., inspector delay, painting). (Use the notes feature). D. The customer wants to know if the walk-through date and final project completion date are on schedule. Is it? If not, what are the dates? E. The boss just called and said that the delay is unacceptable to the customer. What can you change to make the project finish on time? Remember to give good justification for the changes. For your written response to B, D, and E, submit a Word document. Remember to make your changes in response to E in the project. Finally, submit your finished homework assignment to Canvas. Saving/Naming Your Files: When you save your file, make sure that your name and the project number are included in it. Example format: YourName403HW7. For this assignment, you will be turning in 2 files.
Paper For Above instruction
The project schedule management form the backbone of successful construction projects, providing a detailed plan that encompasses task sequencing, resource allocation, and timeline forecasting. This paper explores how to develop, analyze, and adjust a project schedule in Microsoft Project based on given field updates, emphasizing maintaining alignment with project goals and client expectations.
Initial Planning and Baseline Establishment
The first step involves creating a comprehensive work breakdown structure (WBS), incorporating all activities from excavation to finishing. Using the provided task list, including summary tasks and sub-tasks, the project manager must assign appropriate durations, resources, and dependencies. With a start date set for December 15, 2015, Microsoft Project allows for precise timeline mapping. Once all activities are entered, the project team sets a baseline, representing the original approved schedule, which serves as a benchmark for subsequent progress monitoring. Establishing this baseline is vital as it helps in comparing planned versus actual progress, facilitating early identification of delays.
Updating the Schedule with Field Data
Post-planning, real-time data from the field is integrated into the schedule to reflect actual progress and delays. The given updates reveal several variations: items 1–20 completed on schedule, item 21 delayed three days due to inspector absence, item 24 wallboard at 50% completion, and item 25 stairway at 65% completion. Additionally, delays in trade start dates are documented, including the painter availability on May 5, 2016, and landscape materials arriving on May 19, 2016. These status updates are entered into MS Project by adjusting task durations, adding notes for explanations, and updating resource allocations. For example, the 3-day inspector delay is marked with a note explaining the cause, and delays for items 26 and 28 are scheduled accordingly.
Analyzing Schedule Impact and Customer Communication
To assess whether the project remains on schedule, the project manager evaluates the updated finish dates against the overall timeline. The walk-through date and project completion date are compared with the baseline dates. Microsoft Project's feature of tracking baseline vs. actual data aids in determining if the milestones are met. If the updated schedule indicates delays, the project manager communicates the projected completion dates to the customer, noting whether the schedule is on track or adjusted due to unforeseen events.
Strategies to Accelerate the Schedule
When delays threaten project completion, strategic adjustments can help realign the schedule. For example, increasing resource allocations, overlapping activities where feasible, or fast-tracking certain phases can help mitigate delays. In this scenario, to ensure timely project completion despite identified
setbacks (such as painter and landscaper delays), options include reallocating resources from non-critical tasks, working extended hours on delayed activities, or rescheduling subsequent tasks to commence earlier if dependencies permit. Justification for these changes hinges on maintaining quality standards while minimizing schedule slippage, thus satisfying stakeholder expectations.
In summary, effective project schedule management combines initial meticulous planning, real-time data updates, and proactive adjustments. Utilizing Microsoft Project capabilities ensures that project managers can track progress accurately, identify deviations promptly, and implement corrective actions swiftly to fulfill project commitments on time.
References
Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Sixth Edition. Project Management Institute.
Larson, E. (2018). Construction Project Management: Principles and Practice. Routledge.
Heldman, K. (2018). Project Management JumpStart. Wiley.
Leach, L. P. (2014). Critical Chain Project Management. Artech House.
Meredith, J. R., & Shafer, S. M. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
Fleming, Q. W., & Koppelman, J. M. (2016). Earned Value Project Management. Project Management Institute.
Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2018). Successful Project Management. Cengage.
Pinto, J. K., & Slevin, D. P. (2018). Critical Success Factors in Effective Project Implementation. Project Management Journal.
Heldman, K. (2017). PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide. Sybex.
