40+ Sample Project Schedules

Project Schedules: What Are They?

A project schedule is an essential document used in various industries but mainly in construction. It indicates what needs to be done, what resources must be utilized, and when the project is due. In other words, it is a timetable or a timeframe that sets out start and end dates and milestones that should be met for the project’s timely completion. The project schedule is often used along with a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to evenly distribute work among team members. Moreover, the project schedule must be regularly updated to gain a better understanding of the project’s current status.

Meanwhile, based on an article published by Glassdoor, the annual salary of project managers is $66,137, which is higher than the annual real median personal income of $35,977 in 2019.

The Benefits of Project Scheduling

If you are on the fence and still not convinced why there is a need to create project schedules, the list below will change your mind. Having a project schedule handy is not just a piece of another bulky document. It has more to it than you think. Let us find out the benefits of project scheduling.

Outlines the Project: Because project schedules are considered timetables for a project, they can assist you with tracking, reporting on, and communicating progress. Ensures Unity: A project schedule does not only set out progress, but it also ensures everyone is on the same page as far as tasks, dependencies, and deadlines are involved.Highlights Concerns: Resources are very crucial in completing a project. If you lack those, the project cannot progress. With project schedules, you can highlight issues and concerns, like insufficient resources and so much more. Identifies Tasks: Project schedules are effective task indicators. It will help you ident task relationships. This will be discussed more further below.Monitor Progress: Lastly, a project schedule can be used to monitor progress and indicate issues earlier before it gets out of hand.

How to Make an Effective Project Schedule

Project scheduling plays an important role in project success. However, it can be a challenging job, especially for those who have no experience in making one. So, we have broken down the process into four manageable steps. The list is for beginners and it includes the basics of project scheduling.

Step 1: Plan Schedule and Define Activities

Planning is the foundation of success. If you want to achieve your desired outcome, make sure to plan before starting the project schedule. The plan should outline the resources available for the project and the contingencies that may arise. Right after the plan, list the tasks that must be completed to deliver the project. This is a lot easier to visualize with the help of a chart.

Step 2: Determine Dependencies and Sequence of Activities

When all the project activities have been listed, think through each one carefully to identify which tasks rely on others to be completed. Use a Gantt Chart to define your dependencies clearly. With this, you can secure an accurate schedule and avoid delays. Once your dependencies are established among your activities, sequence them. At this point, do not assign a time or a due date. Rather, focus on the order in which the activities should be done.

Step 3: Estimate Resources and Project Duration

Every activity in the project requires resources—manpower, subcontractor costs, tools, and workspace. Make sure to consider other resources specific to your project. Then estimate the resources needed for each activity. Next, estimate the project’s duration to strive for no delay. If you underestimate, it will put the project behind schedule. Meanwhile, overestimating could cost more of your resources. The way around this is by using data from similar previous jobs.

Step 4: Develop Schedule; Monitor and Control

Now that you have all the information needed, develop your project schedule. There are multiple models and formulas for developing the project schedule like critical path, critical chain, and resource leveling among others. You can even use a template if it is more favorable for you. Each method is worthwhile, so take time to find the best one that works well for you. When you are done making the project schedule, begin monitoring and controlling your project.

FAQs

What are the different types of schedules?

  • Appointment Schedule
  • Daily Work Schedule
  • High School Schedule
  • Work Schedule
  • Study Schedule
  • Interview Schedule

Is a Gantt Chart a project schedule?

A Gantt Chart is a project management tool that is as useful as a project schedule but it can be as effective alone. It assists in the planning and scheduling of projects of all sizes by simplifying them into less complex and actionable steps.

How to schedule a project?

The length of a project schedule depends on the complexity of your project. Less complicated projects only require short scheduling. However, if your project is more complicated, you must take time to make a more detailed and longer schedule.

If you need help in creating a specific project schedule, make sure to select a suitable reference from the list of templates and samples above. Be particular with the selection of template that you need as this enables you to come up with the project schedule which can truly contribute to the betterment of project management.