What is a schedule? A schedule is a placement of a sequence of activities in a time related logical order.

A schedule is also a dynamic tool to measure, monitor, and control the progress of the project.

The importance of Schedules Schedules are important to project managers (PMs), general contractors (GCs), construction managers (CMs), and owners for the following reasons: 1. Schedules enable PMs to plan the efficient use of the equipment, material, and labour. 2. Schedules help CM/GCs determine the overall time-related cost of the general conditions portion of the contract.(General conditions are the CM/GCs actual out-of-pocket expenses.) 3. Schedules are used by the owner to determine the project completion date, cash flow projections, and secure construction loan and financing. 4. Schedules enable the PMs, subcontractors, and suppliers to determine if there is sufficient labour and materials available for the project. 5. Schedule delays from the approved baseline schedule must be shown to the owner for possible adjustments. 6. The person preparing the schedules must understand the construction process. 7. Schedules that are dictated by the owner must be thoroughly reviewed by the CM/GC. If the dates are unrealistic, the owner must be notified immediately. 8. Schedules can track the resources (labour and material costs) of the project. 9. Schedules can tell the percentage of various components of a project that are complete.

Types of Schedules

Two basic types of schedules are used in the construction industry: (1) a bar chart or Gantt chart and (2) the crtitical path method (CPM).

Bar Chart A bar chart is a simple representation of the various tasks for the project. The left side of the chart shows the task and the top of the chart indicates the time required to complete the task. The bar indicates the length of time the task will take. The bar chart schedule makes it easier for the subcontractors to understand the relationship of the various tasks. From the bar chart, the subcontractors can schedule their work and order the material, product, or equipment required to complete the work.

Limitations of the Bar Chart: 1. 2. 3. 4. Details of the various tasks are limited. It does not show the connection and interaction between tasks. It is difficult to display any delay impact. It does not indicate the critical flow that must take in order to complete the project on time.

Critical Path Method A CPM schedule shows all the interaction between the various tasks. In addition, it indicates which are critical and thus the PM can follow the project from initiation to completion. The CPM shows the tasks that cannot start until other tasks are completed and show how some tasks can continue simultaneously with other tasks. It represents concise information about the sequence of construction and show how to predict the required time to complete the project. Advantage of the CPM: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Indicates real time dates of when a task will start and when it will be completed. Identify critical activities. Convenient to schedule subcontractors, material, and equipment delivery dates. Evaluate alternative construction methods. Follow the progress of the project (milestones) and record all changes.

Disadvantages of CPM: 1. 2. 3. 4. It is a complex method of preparing a schedule. It usually requires a scheduling expert for developing a schedule. Every activity must be updated daily. Difficult for subcontractors to understand.

Scheduling Programs Several scheduling programs are available for construction process. These include: 1. Microsoft Project 2. Primavera 3. Suretrak Project Manager Scheduling programs cannot tell you how to sequence the activities of a project. Thus, the sequence established for, for example, concrete placement would have to be developed by a knowledgeable PM. The scheduling program will take the information provided by the PM and then graphically show the activities of their interaction with other relevant activities. Other Capabilities of Scheduling Programs: 1. Visual representation of the Resources (material/manpower) for the activity

2. Display the Cost related to the activity 3. Shows Progress of the schedule and percentage complete of each activity Factors Affecting Schedules Availability of labour Availability of material Long lead times Weather conditions Holidays Restriction of activities mandated by the municipality (parades, fiestas, etc.) Labour disputes changes requested by the owner or architect Safety issues Unforeseen Site Conditions Archaeological finds Subcontractors who are behind schedule Delayed payment schedule Delays in the permits Problems with neighbours Cost escalation Wrong schedule logic High volume of construction taking place in the same locale Acceleration of the project by the owner

Advantages of Construction Schedule Construction costs are identified and predicted reliably during the design phase. Team interacts relating to construction cost, completion schedule, and quality work to maximize owners value. Construction Management contributes to a synergistic team approach in the owner's interest. Value engineering by C.M. can be done at this time when it can be implemented into the design. Major design decisions can be made on the basis of complete information. Construction Management early involvement facilitates financial planning and avoids potential delays for redesign caused by budget problems recognized too late. All records, books, estimates are "open book".

Disadvantages of Construction Schedules Duplication of some supervision and contractors mark-ups. These costs must be offset by value engineering, etc. Project may not be fully designed at start of construction which may expose owner to change orders. This potential is inherent in any form of fast-track construction, but can be controlled to a minimum.

Source: Urban Construction Project Management by Richard Lambeck and John Eschemuller