Project time schedules are essential for managing and completing projects successfully. However, there may be instances when a project manager needs to compress the schedule to meet certain constraints, such as imposed dates or changes in project scope. There are several techniques that can be used to achieve schedule compression, including fast-tracking, crashing, and resource re-allocation.
Key Facts
- Fast-tracking: Fast-tracking involves completing activities simultaneously that would normally be done sequentially. This technique allows for overlapping activities and can help shorten the project duration[3]. However, it can also increase the risk of rework and may require careful management of resources.
- Crashing: Crashing is a technique that involves adding additional resources to the project to complete it faster. This can include options such as adding new resources, working overtime, providing incentives to the project team, or expediting the delivery of goods. Crashing can help reduce the project duration, but it can also increase costs and may not be applicable to all tasks.
- Resource re-allocation: Another way to compress a project time schedule is through resource re-allocation. This involves moving resources from non-critical path tasks to critical path tasks, allowing for more effective utilization of current resources without increasing costs or changing scheduling logic.
It’s important to note that these techniques should be used with caution and their applicability depends on the specific project and its constraints. Project managers should carefully assess the risks and benefits of each technique before implementing them.
Fast-Tracking
Fast-tracking involves completing activities simultaneously that would normally be done sequentially. This technique allows for overlapping activities and can help shorten the project duration [3]. However, it can also increase the risk of rework and may require careful management of resources.
Crashing
Crashing is a technique that involves adding additional resources to the project to complete it faster. This can include options such as adding new resources, working overtime, providing incentives to the project team, or expediting the delivery of goods. Crashing can help reduce the project duration, but it can also increase costs and may not be applicable to all tasks.
Resource Re-allocation
Another way to compress a project time schedule is through resource re-allocation. This involves moving resources from non-critical path tasks to critical path tasks, allowing for more effective utilization of current resources without increasing costs or changing scheduling logic.
Considerations for Schedule Compression Techniques
When considering schedule compression techniques, project managers should carefully assess the risks and benefits of each technique before implementing them. Some factors to consider include:
- The impact on project quality and risk: Fast-tracking and crashing can increase the risk of rework and may compromise project quality. Project managers should carefully evaluate the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them.
- The availability of resources: Crashing may require additional resources, which may not be readily available or may come at a higher cost. Project managers should assess the availability of resources before committing to a crashing strategy.
- The impact on project costs: Crashing can increase project costs due to the need for additional resources or overtime work. Project managers should carefully evaluate the cost-benefit trade-offs before implementing crashing.
- The impact on project stakeholders: Schedule compression techniques can impact project stakeholders, such as clients, team members, and suppliers. Project managers should communicate with stakeholders and manage their expectations throughout the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several techniques that can be used to compress a project time schedule, including fast-tracking, crashing, and resource re-allocation. Project managers should carefully assess the risks and benefits of each technique before implementing them, considering factors such as project quality, risk, resource availability, cost, and stakeholder impact.
References
[1] Project Management Academy. (2023, January 9). PMP Exam Prep: Fast-Tracking vs. Crash Schedule. Retrieved from https://projectmanagementacademy.net/resources/blog/crash-schedule-vs-fast-tracking/
[2] University of Waterloo. (n.d.). Schedule Compression. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/ist-project-management-office/methodology/project-management/planning/project-schedule/schedule-compression
[3] Simplilearn. (2023, July 19). Fast Tracking vs Crashing: Key Differences. Retrieved from https://www.simplilearn.com/fast-tracking-vs-crashing-article
FAQs
What is schedule compression?
Schedule compression refers to techniques used to shorten the duration of a project schedule without changing the project scope. It is often used when a project falls behind schedule or needs to be completed sooner than originally planned.
What are the different techniques for compressing a project schedule?
Common techniques for compressing a project schedule include fast-tracking, crashing, and resource re-allocation.
What is fast-tracking?
Fast-tracking involves completing activities simultaneously that would normally be done sequentially. This technique allows for overlapping activities and can help shorten the project duration, but it can also increase the risk of rework and may require careful management of resources.
What is crashing?
Crashing is a technique that involves adding additional resources to the project to complete it faster. This can include options such as adding new resources, working overtime, providing incentives to the project team, or expediting the delivery of goods. Crashing can help reduce the project duration, but it can also increase costs and may not be applicable to all tasks.
What is resource re-allocation?
Resource re-allocation involves moving resources from non-critical path tasks to critical path tasks, allowing for more effective utilization of current resources without increasing costs or changing scheduling logic.
What are some factors to consider when using schedule compression techniques?
When considering schedule compression techniques, project managers should carefully assess factors such as the impact on project quality and risk, the availability of resources, the impact on project costs, and the impact on project stakeholders.
Can schedule compression techniques be used on all projects?
Schedule compression techniques may not be suitable for all projects. They should be used with caution and their applicability depends on the specific project and its constraints.
How can project managers minimize the risks associated with schedule compression techniques?
Project managers can minimize the risks associated with schedule compression techniques by carefully planning and implementing these techniques, considering the impact on project quality, risk, resources, costs, and stakeholders. They should also monitor the project closely and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.