Project Management PIM 5455 Notes

Allocating Resources to the Project

Schedules and Resource Allocation
●​ Resource allocation and project schedules are inextricably bound together - In order to
create a schedule, we need to ensure that resources are allocated to the various activities
and work packages that need to be completed.
-​ Resource constraints impact time constraints and therefore can impact our project
schedule.
●​ Constraints: Time, Resources, Technical, Performance

In order for projects to stay on schedule, project managers may have to employ different
schedule compression techniques.

, → Schedule Compression

Why?
-​ Project may be behind schedule
-​ Incentivized to finish early

Techniques:

1.​ Crashing
Obtain the greatest amount of schedule compression for the least incremental cost.
●​ Start with the normal durations/costs
●​ Calculate crash durations/costs
●​ Calculate crash cost/day on crash activities
-​ Focus on the critical path(s)
-​ Select least expensive activity to crash
-​ Start with Network Diagram - Critical Path




2.​ Fast Track
Perform activities in parallel or overlap.
●​ Successor started before predecessor is complete
-​ Used for time sensitive projects
-​ Used if delays occur
-​ Used for routine projects
-​ Construction: Building begins before design is complete.