Master Project Scheduling and Cost Planning in 5 Days

Course Description

This intensive 5-day course equips project managers with advanced skills in project scheduling and cost planning. Participants will learn to create detailed project schedules, allocate resources efficiently, and control project costs effectively. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring participants can immediately apply their learning to real-world projects.

Learning Objectives

• Develop comprehensive project schedules using advanced techniques
• Master cost estimation and budgeting for projects of various sizes
• Learn to identify, analyze, and mitigate project risks
• Gain proficiency in resource allocation and optimization
• Understand and apply earned value management for project control

Course Modules

Day 1: Project Estimating Fundamentals

• Introduction to project scheduling and cost planning
• Project scope definition and work breakdown structures
• Estimating techniques: analogous, parametric, and bottom-up
• Activity sequencing and network diagrams

Day 2: Advanced Scheduling Techniques

• Critical Path Method (CPM) and schedule optimization
• Resource leveling and allocation strategies
• Schedule compression techniques: fast-tracking and crashing
• Managing multiple projects and programs

Day 3: Cost Planning and Budgeting

• Cost estimation methods and best practices
• Developing project budgets and cost baselines
• Life cycle costing and total cost of ownership
• Cost control and forecasting techniques

Day 4: Risk Management in Scheduling and Costing

• Identifying and assessing schedule and cost risks
• Quantitative risk analysis: Monte Carlo simulations
• Developing risk response strategies
• Contingency planning and management reserves

Day 5: Performance Measurement and Project Control

• Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and application
• Schedule and cost variance analysis
• Forecasting project performance and outcomes
• Corrective actions and recovery planning

Practical Wins for Participants

• Create accurate and reliable project schedules and budgets
• Optimize resource allocation across multiple projects
• Implement effective risk management strategies for time and cost
• Improve project performance tracking and reporting capabilities