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Schedule Updates and Monitoring Techniques

Effective scheduling doesn’t end with planning — it depends on continuous monitoring and timely updates.

1. Schedule Updating

  • Update progress regularly (weekly or biweekly).
  • Record % completion for each activity.
  • Adjust actual start/finish dates.
  • Incorporate approved change orders.

Baseline vs. Current Schedule:

Compare to detect variance and evaluate project health.

2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Key Performance Indicators

3. Monitoring Tools

  • Gantt Charts – Visual schedule overview.
  • S-Curves – Cumulative progress vs. cost/time.
  • Dashboards – Real-time updates (in Orangescrum or Primavera).
  • Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) – Tracks shifting milestones over updates.

4. Corrective Actions

  • Reschedule delayed tasks with float optimization.
  • Apply crashing (add resources) or fast-tracking (parallel activities).
  • Re-baseline only after major scope changes.
  • Communicate deviations early to stakeholders.
“Updating the schedule isn’t paperwork — it’s project control.”

Module Summary

  • Planning defines project scope and logic; scheduling gives it a time frame.
  • CPM identifies critical activities; PERT manages uncertainty.
  • Network coding ensures traceability and reporting efficiency.
  • Resource and cost loading integrates manpower and money into time.

Schedule monitoring transforms static plans into dynamic control tools.