Planning defines what needs to be done; scheduling determines when and by whom it should be done.

1. Planning

Planning involves:

• Defining objectives and deliverables
• Breaking down the scope using WBS
• Identifying activities and dependencies
• Setting milestones and performance benchmarks

2. Scheduling

Scheduling transforms the plan into a time-based roadmap for execution.
It assigns:

• Start and finish dates
• Sequence and duration of activities
• Resource requirements

3. Importance in Construction

• Establishes accountability and the sequence of operations.
• Helps detect critical delays early.
• Enables coordination among multiple contractors and vendors.
• Forms the basis for cost forecasting and cash flow planning.

“A project without a schedule is like a building without a foundation.”

4. Types of Schedules