Master Project Scheduling and Planning: Essential Skills Course

Course Description

This comprehensive 5-day course equips participants with essential skills in project scheduling and planning. Attendees will learn practical techniques for creating effective project schedules, estimating durations, managing resources, and controlling project timelines. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on exercises to ensure a thorough understanding of project planning principles.

Learning Objectives

• Develop proficiency in creating and managing project schedules
• Master techniques for accurate time and resource estimation
• Learn to identify and manage critical paths in project networks
• Understand how to optimize resource allocation and resolve conflicts
• Gain skills in monitoring and controlling project progress
• Develop strategies for effective communication of project schedules

Course Modules

Day 1: Fundamentals of Project Planning

• Introduction to project management concepts
• Project lifecycle and planning processes
• Defining project scope and objectives
• Creating work breakdown structures (WBS)

Day 2: Scheduling Techniques and Tools

• Introduction to scheduling methodologies (CPM, PERT)
• Network diagramming and precedence relationships
• Activity sequencing and dependencies
• Using Gantt charts for schedule visualization

Day 3: Time and Resource Estimation

• Techniques for accurate duration estimation
• Resource planning and allocation
• Identifying and managing constraints
• Schedule optimization and compression techniques

Day 4: Critical Path Analysis and Risk Management

• Identifying and analyzing critical paths
• Float calculation and management
• Schedule risk assessment and mitigation
• Incorporating buffers and contingencies

Day 5: Schedule Control and Communication

• Baseline setting and progress tracking
• Earned Value Management (EVM) basics
• Reporting and communicating schedule information
• Change management in project schedules

Practical Wins for Participants

• Ability to create realistic and achievable project schedules
• Skills to effectively manage project resources and timelines
• Techniques to identify and mitigate schedule risks
• Improved communication of project progress to stakeholders