Planning Procedure
Planning Procedure
Project Planning is a vital ingredient of the construction process since the success or failure of construction projects - the core activity- depends upon it. At the
same time, there are unique factors in construction, among them the complexity of resourcing, impact of weather conditions and existence of multiple
contractors, making this particularly difficult and time consuming process.
Content
1. Introduction to Planning
1.1. Traditional Planning-Biblical Times
1.2. Traditional Planning-Early Times
2. History of Critical Path Method (CPM)
2.1. PERT (Programme Evaluate & Review Technique)
2.2. Advantages of Critical Path Method
2.3. What Network Analysis Does
3. Planning in the 21st Century
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Objectives
3.3. The Planning Hierarchy
4. Life Cycle Planning
4.1. Feasibility phase
4.2. Pre-construction phase
4.3. Construction phase
4.4. Fit-out & Occupation phase
5. Other Required Planning & Management
5.1. Risk Management
5.2. Resource Scheduling
5.3. Progress Monitoring
5.4. Earned Value Analysis
5.5. What Ifs
5.6. Forecasting
5.7. Evaluating
6. Planning Terminologies
6.1. Precedence activity
6.2. Activities
6.3. Durations
6.4. Dependencies
6.5. Finish to Start Relationship (FS)
6.6. Start to Start Relationship (SS)
6.7. Finish to Finish Relationship (FF)
6.8. Start to Finish Relationship (SF)
6.9. Formalities/Conventions
5.10. Critical Path
6.11. Total Float
6.12. Free Float
6.13. Negative Float
6.14. Start Float
6.15. Finish Float
6.16. Most Critical Float
6.17. Milestones
6.18. Flags
6.19. Hammock Activity
6.20. Baseline
6.21. Lag
6.22. Driving Relationship
1.Introduction to Planning
Project Planning is a vital ingredient of the construction process since the success or failure of construction projects - the core activity- depends upon it. At the
same time, there are unique factors in construction, among them the complexity of resourcing, impact of weather conditions and existence of multiple
contractors, making this particularly difficult and time consuming process.
If businesses are to become more effective and efficient planning must become more rapid, more accurate and more responsive to change.
Provided that the complexity is captured, the ability to draw on best practice within any one organisation and to re-apply knowledge already held within that
organisation has a major contribution to make.
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The Egyptians and Romans worked construction miracles in their day. Surviving ruins attest to the brilliance of their architecture, but little is known of their
construction planning and scheduling.
It can be supposed that they solved many scheduling programmes by the 'use of a bigger whip philosophy? Project Management has other roots reaching
back into the days before the pyramids.
Historical Project Managers included Noah, Solomon and the unknown architect who designed the Tower of Babel. History records much about the
construction details, but little about the methods of control.
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In the mid nineteenth century, at least one writer discussed work-versus-time graphical representation very similar to today's bar charts. It remained for Henry
L. Gantt and Frederick W Taylor in the early 1900's to popularise their graphical representations of work versus time. The Gantt Charts were the basis of
today's bar graphs or bar charts.
Strategic Planning
Historical Project Managers included Noah, Solomon and the unknown architect who designed the Tower of Babel. History records much about the
construction details, but little about the methods of control.
This could be termed as an "inspired guess" exercise "looking at the forest instead of the trees", otherwise known as the top down approach or strategic
planning.
Simple Bar Charts may well serve a purpose in this role. With a large project the bar graph cannot show intelligently the interrelations and interdependencies,
which control the project.
At a later date, even the originator is often hard pressed to explain the plan using the bar graph. In changing the bar chart at a later date, this is so often a
juggling of the original bar graph and is not based upon logical planning.
This type of exercise cannot be accomplished using bar graphs. CPM offers the means to resolve all the questions being asked in preparing a tactical plan.
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The critical path technique had its origins from 1956 to 1958 in two parallel but different problems of planning and control in projects in the United States.
In one case, the US Navy was concerned with the control of contracts for its Polaris Missile programme. The contracts comprised research and development
work as well as the manufacture of component parts not previously made. Hence neither cost nor time could be accurately estimated, and completion times
therefore had to be based upon probability.
Contractors were asked to estimate their operational time requirements on three bases: optimistic, pessimistic and most likely dates (See paper on Risk
Analysis)
These estimates were then mathematically assessed to determine the probable completion date for each contract, and this procedure was referred to as
"Programme Evaluation and Review Technique", abbreviated to PERT.
PERT reduced the development time for the Polaris missile by over two years, a reduction of some 45%.
Parallel Programme
The development of Critical Path Method (CPM) was enhanced by the Du-Pont company based in Newark, Delaware, who set up a group to study the
possible application of new management techniques to the Company's engineering functions. One of the first areas considered was the planning and
scheduling of construction projects.
The group had a UNIVAC 1 computer at its disposal and decided to evaluate the potential of computers in scheduling construction work. Mathematicians
worked out a general approach, theorizing that if the computer was fed information on the sequence of work and the length of each activity, it could generate
a schedule of work.
In early 1957 with the help of UNIVAC 1 Applications Research Centre, the original conceptual work was revised and the resulting routines become the basic
CPM. No fundamental changes have been made in this first work.
In December 1957, a test group was set up to apply the new technique, then called the Kelly-Walker method. The assignment was to plan the construction of
a $10 million chemical plant in Louisville, Kentucky.
The network diagram for the project was restricted to include only the construction steps. The project was analyzed starting at the completion of its preliminary
design. The entire project was subdivided into major areas of scope, and each of these areas was analyzed and broken down into the individual work
activities. These activities were diagrammed into a network of more than 800 activities.
The method was hailed as a success and Du Pont invested heavily in CPM for another project in July 1958 valued at $20 million.
This project required that both time and cost be estimated and thus became a more definitive approach than that used by US Navy.
Summary
"The fostering of increased orderliness and consistency in the planning and evaluating of all areas in the project"
The basis for the CPM network approach remains essentially unchanged from its earliest formulation, and has survived every test, extension, improvement,
change in format, and manipulation it has undergone.
Although network techniques are basic and logical, assimilation of the concept does take time and experience.
The principle danger in the continuing extension of and experimentation on network techniques is that the basic framework (the network) might be obscured
or lost. Thus far, the semanticists have not been able to accomplish this, nor have they deliberately tried. On the contrary, the strength and effectiveness of
the network approach have tended to delay the development of extensions. Extensions by the very nature of their complexity tend to run headlong into the
law of diminishing returns.
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• A fully developed critical path network is a logical mathematical model of the project, based upon the optimum time required for each work process
and making the most economical use of available resources (labour, plant, materials).
• It has therefore been tuned to the individual problems of the particular project, and may be detailed as desired to suit the anticipated conditions and
hazards.
• During execution of the project it permits systematic reviewing of current situations as they arise, so that allowance can be made for the effects of
uncertainties in the original planning, as well as enabling a revaluation of future uncertainties to be made, and remedial measures initiated for those
operations - and only for those activities - that require correction or acceleration.
• It is indeed significant that where the critical path method has been introduced, considerable reduction of project times and costs have resulted.
• Research in the United States shows that's its use in the construction industry has led to decreases of up to 20% in project times over similar projects
not employing CPM as a management tool.
• They present in diagrammatic form a picture of all the activities to be done and their dependency on one and another. The way in which this is done is
to construct what is known as a "network diagram" in which each job is represented by a box.
• The way in which the boxes are linked indicates the dependencies of the jobs on each other.
• They consider the limitations imposed by the availability of labour, plant and materials and, in view of these, estimate the time required to do each job.
• They apply the estimated duration to the network diagram, and then analyse the network. Analysis in this case means the calculation of the total
length of time in each path through the network.
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3.1 Introduction
Planning a Project from feasibility through to defects completion is fundamental to the success of a Project. It not only creates a framework within which all
activities are organised but also provides systematic progress feedback to enable slippages in programmes to be identified at an early stage. This in turn
permits effective management action to be taken to mitigate the effects of any slippage.
Progress control is covered in detail under separate headings, as this subject is as equally important as the preparation of programmes.
A detailed narrative on construction methodology is also included. This has been written in a form that is applicable to Field Manager, Designers, and
Quantity Surveyors as well as Planners and Project Managers.
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3.2 Objectives
• To create an integrates suite of programmes, charts, and drawings which through their production, logically analyses the Project sequencing and
timing in order to fully pre-engineer the project.
• This pre-engineering philosophy is of paramount importance, in that the work undertaken during the Pre-Construction period is all about properly and
professionally setting up the project so that the construction stage is simply about undertaking the already agreed plans and strategies. This pre-
engineering work is fundamental in order that a "nothing is left to chance" environment prevails.
• The process of planning a Project is about teamwork and must not be seen as the sole jurisdiction of a single individual. It is vital that the whole
Project. Team contributes to, and agrees, to the planning of each stage of the Project, be they Owner, Designer, Manager, Contractor or Sub-
Contractor.
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On any Project a comprehensive suite of programmes has to be established as soon as the Project commences. This should be achieved as early as
possible in the Pre-Construction Phase to achieve optimum programme and progress control throughout the duration of the Project.
The Planning Hierarchy denotes the varying levels that programmes are produced and also shows that information that accompanies each level of
programme such as method statements, drawings etc.
Level 1
Overall strategic programme showing summary activities for the Key disciplines of Client briefing, design, cost planning, procurement, Construction,
commissioning, handover and occupation. This Programme will also identify key Project milestones.
Level 2
Level 3
Working Programmes showing individual detailed programmes for each discipline, elemental construction programmes and contract programmes.
Level 4
Detailed construction programmes prepared by the Contractor(s) covering all aspects of work for each element of construction (Design, procurement and
installation).
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Project Planning, in common with Cost Management, is a subject the touches all of the boundaries of a Project. No decision should be made, or action carried
out without an understanding of both cost and programmed implications. Planning therefore involves everybody on the Project.
This section deals specifically with planning tasks that are the Project Manager and his Planner's areas of responsibility of each of the four main phases.
These are the Feasibility Phase, the Pre-Construction Phase, the Construction Phase and the Occupation Phase.
• Project Objectives • Procurement Options • Cost Control Procedures • Operator Critical Path Considerations
• Acquisition Consultants • Project Brief • Change control Procedures
• Planning/Legal Consultants • Project Cost Plan • Progress control Procedures
• Procurement Strategy. • Programme Strategy • Quality Management Procedures
• Outline Design Periods • Contract Documentation • Integration of End user Needs
• Phasing Requirements • Tender Appraisal
• Contractors Selection • Integration of Contractors Drawings
• Project Scope • End user Requirements
• Strategic Direction
• Planning Considerations
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Following an initial contract won in 2004 to carry out a feasibility study for a pilot tramway line in the Vietnamese capital, in April 2005 SYSTRA was
selected by the People's Committee of Hanoi and the French authorities to conduct further investigations into certain aspects of the 2004 study. The aim of
this work is to enable the launch of a project which can be implemented by 2010, the date of the 1000th anniversary of the founding of Hanoi city.
On the basis of the route defined in December 2004, linking the western suburbs with the city centre, the study aims to provide a cost comparison of the
various options for installation and systems (tramway or light metro) and to provide additional details about the geological feasibility of underground works,
the design of transport hubs connecting the various public transport projects which are eventually planned, and to provide an in-depth analysis of the way
the project will be financed. This information should enable the Vietnamese and French authorities to specify their level of financial participation in autumn
2005.
The study is financed from FASEP funds at a cost of ?600 K and will last 6 months. The work will be carried out by a multidisciplinary team made up of 10
experts from different departments of SYSTRA (PLT, GCOA, and EST). For the financial part of the study, SYSTRA has teamed up with Dexia Bank, which
specializes in organizing investment for transport projects in developing countries. The findings of the study will be presented at the end of September
2005 at a Franco-Vietnamese conference. This should enable the tender for the construction contract to be launched during the course of 2006.
Various programmes options will be prepared using available information including concept drawings and sketches prepared by designers and historic
knowledge of previous projects. This will result in the production of a feasibility programme that will define the outline time frame of the Project and may
include the following activities: -
Objectives
Define/Review:
• Project Objectives
• Acquisition Constraints
• Planning/Legal Constraints
• Procurement Strategy
• Outline Design Periods
• Outline Construction Periods
• Phasing Requirements
Deliverables
During the feasibility stage of a Project, planning is used as a fundamental management tool to assist in establishing the feasibility of the project.
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The Pre-Construction Phase of the Project is where the majority of the planning work will be carried out and control and reporting procedures established.
This phase covers all aspects of project management from the Client decision to precede, up to commencement of all construction Contracts including
those for fit out works. The degree of detail that is prepared at this level will vary from project to project; however, programmes must recognise the
following.
• Project Methodology
• Economic Construction
• Design Construction Programme/Construction Methodology
• Planning issues/Project Constraints
• Procurement
• VE/VM exercises
• Owner/Tenant Requirements
On all Projects it will be necessary to understand all site constraints and logistical problems. It will be necessary to recognise these issues including:
During this phase the level 1, 2 and 3 hierarchy of programmes as outlined in the objectives should be produced.
The Strategic Programme is the top level (level 1) overall executive control programme showing a summary of all key disciplines of Client briefing, design,
approvals, cost planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover and occupancy.
All other programmes at level 2 (Master Programme); level 3 (detailed programmes) and level 4 (contractors' programmes) will contribute to the overall
iterative planning framework that reports into the strategic programme.
Initially the Strategic Programme is prepared in draft form and is finalised when sufficient input from level 2 and 3 programmes confirm the overall logic of
the Project Strategy.
The Strategic Programme should identify:
• Designer appointments
• Design/tender/Construction interfaces
• VE/VM Workshops
• Qualitative Risk Analysis Workshops
• Specialist Contractor input
• Key approval milestones
• Construction trade packages and milestones
• Occupation
• Post construction milestones
• The Master List
On all Projects it will be necessary to understand all site constraints and logistical problems. It will be necessary to recognise these issues including:
With up to 50 activities the Strategic Programme should be concise and demonstrate key points only. The procedures and framework for the Strategic
Programme should be agreed at a strategy meeting attended by all parties involved in the Project. The Client/Owner takes a leading role together with the
Project Manager in the preparation of this Programme. The overall progress of the development will be monitored against this strategic programme.
Value engineering
In the early stages of the project Value Engineering and qualitative risk analysis are examined. Value Engineering is questioning the part of the cost, which
does not contribute to function. Value Engineering offers a fundamentally different approach to cost control during the design stage. The objective is to
eliminate those costs which not contribute to the required functional performance, in other words the unnecessary costs.
This process has two aims: risk identification and initial risk assessment. In assessing qualitative risk three techniques may come into play in compiling a
risk register.
This process provokes change and rethought sometimes resulting in substantial cost savings. Cost savings can be brought about by revealing the need to
redesign, more detailed design, further site investigations, a different packaging of the work content, the use of alternative contract strategies or different
methods of construction.
4.2.2 Master Programme
This level 2 programme is a summary of all the level 3 programmes and is the key tool used to monitor and control the Project. This programme should
contain the following: This level of programme can only be achieved when all packages have been awarded.
The Master programme is the main progress reporting document. Progress is marked up as a "time now" line on the Master Programme on a monthly
basis for inclusion in the Monthly Executive Report. Although progress is similarly marked on to the Strategic Programme this merely confirms the overall
strategic direction of the Project. The Master Programme, however, contains more detail than the Strategic Programme enabling reasons for change in
overall Project progress to be identified.
This risk driven approach during the project life cycle enables understanding, confidence and certitude.
• Design Programme
• Procurement Programme
• Pre-Construction Programme
• Construction Programme
• Fit out and handover programmes
Summary
This is essentially a programme that forms a summary of key activities carried out in the vitality important Pre-Construction Phase of a project including.
The Strategic Programme is the top level (level 1) overall executive control programme showing a summary of all key disciplines of Client briefing, design,
approvals, cost planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, handover and occupancy.
All other programmes at level 2 (Master Programme); level 3 (detailed programmes) and level 4 (contractors' programmes) will contribute to the overall
iterative planning framework that reports into the strategic programme.
Initially the Strategic Programme is prepared in draft form and is finalised when sufficient input from level 2 and 3 programmes confirm the overall logic of
the Project Strategy.
• Designer appointments
• Design/tender/Construction interfaces
• VE/VM Workshops
• Qualitative Risk Analysis Workshops
• Specialist Contractor input
• Key approval milestones
• Construction trade packages and milestones
• Occupation
• Post construction milestones
• The Master List
On all Projects it will be necessary to understand all site constraints and logistical problems. It will be necessary to recognise these issues including:
With up to 50 activities the Strategic Programme should be concise and demonstrate key points only. The procedures and framework for the Strategic
Programme should be agreed at a strategy meeting attended by all parties involved in the Project. The Client/Owner takes a leading role together with the
Project Manager in the preparation of this Programme. The overall progress of the development will be monitored against this strategic programme.
Value engineering
In the early stages of the project Value Engineering and qualitative risk analysis are examined. Value Engineering is questioning the part of the cost, which
does not contribute to function. Value Engineering offers a fundamentally different approach to cost control during the design stage. The objective is to
eliminate those costs which not contribute to the required functional performance, in other words the unnecessary costs.
This process has two aims: risk identification and initial risk assessment. In assessing qualitative risk three techniques may come into play in compiling a
risk register.
This process provokes change and rethought sometimes resulting in substantial cost savings. Cost savings can be brought about by revealing the need to
redesign, more detailed design, further site investigations, a different packaging of the work content, the use of alternative contract strategies or different
methods of construction.
The construction programme is the main driving force of the whole project and therefore has to be prepared with appropriate diligence and input by all
parties. The Construction programme determines the dates that the construction Contracts should be signed and the Tender Event Schedule used to drive
the Design programme. It cannot be prepared in isolation but must be prepared proactively by:
Adequate time and resources must be allocated to the preparation of the Construction Programme. Due to the critical reliance of pre construction activities
on the construction programme it must be realistic.
Detailed Project Method Statements should be prepared in parallel with the Construction Programme to demonstrate the methods and logic used in the
preparation of the programme. The Project Method Statement will also enable the Designers and Cost Managers to focus preparation of their detailed
designs and cost plans respectively.
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Strict monitoring of the Trade Contractor's contractual planning obligations is essential throughout the construction phase.
It is desirable that the Trade Contractor be selected through a tender process which takes into account his professionalism and ability to prepare method
statements and programmes, as well as on price ground.
Normally the rule applies that some agreement should be reached within three weeks of award of a contract. The Project Manager and his team will be
seeking to satisfy clauses in the contract specification which typically request the following from all successful tenderers:
• A suitably linked detailed bar chart of construction activities with supporting logic network
• Resource loadings
• Earliest and latest finish dates for each activity
• Float times for all none critical activities
• Continuously traceable critical path
All programmes should be issued in hard & soft copy and on disk using software as specified in the tender documents.
The Planner plays a key role throughout the duration of the project in advising the Project Manager on suitability of Contractor submissions, as well as
owning responsibility for all planning and progress monitoring issues.
It is vitally important that the planner takes cognisance of all level 4 Contractors programmes and feeds any key issues upwards into the level 3 detailed
Project Programmes and Level 2 Master Programme. Critical issues that could have an effect on the Strategic Programme will therefore be recorded in any
progress reporting.
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4.4.1 Fit-out
A fit out programme should be agreed with the Contractor as soon as the scope of the fit out works is known. It is essential that a clear
understanding of the Contractors fit out logic be gained. This will assist the Project Manager in achieving a seamless interface between the main
Contractor(s) on site and the fit out Contractor(s).
Migration coordination activities should commence at least nine months prior to occupation although the safety of the move should be considered
as soon as possible to insure that the IT and telecomm requirements are fully coordinated into the scope of works.
Migration Overview
• Operational considerations
• Functional considerations
• Planning considerations
• Move execution
• Post occupation
Considerations
• Task list of each activity
• Allocate responsibility for each activity
• Establish procedures to define department requirements
• Produce Outline Migration Programme
• Refine into countdown programme
• Produce detailed migration programme
• Refine into countdown programme
• Produce detailed migration programme
• Establish move group to oversee physical move
• Countdown programme
• Identify and procure external resources
• Obtain approval for expenditure /monitor costs
• Implement move
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Effective 'Planning Management' requires not only planning the project and tracking progress, but also directing the effort towards the objective. Setting up the
plan is only the first step. Pre-engineer/planning the project is the first step. To capitalise on your input to date the real value will be achieved by adopting:
• Risk Management
• Resource Scheduling
• Progress Monitoring (to capture actual start, actual finish, actual duration based on activity day count.)
• Earned Value Analysis
• What Ifs
• Forecasting
• Evaluating
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• Risk Management has major benefits for any enterprise. It is more than just a way of helping to get projects completed on time and to budget. For
example it can:
1. Enable decision making to be more systematic and less subjective.
2. Allow comparison of the robustness of projects to specific uncertainties.
3. Make the relative importance of each risk immediately apparent.
4. Give an improved understanding of the project through identifying the risks and thinking through response scenarios.
5. Have powerful impact on management by facing a realisation that there is a range of possible outcomes for a project.
6. Improve corporate experience and communication.
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"Track who did what and how much it cost so that you can improve future estimates."
Resource Scheduling is the most effective way of assessing the logistical problems that may be facing a confined site in the heart of a major city or town.
In wanting to achieve the end date we often assume that throwing resources at the problem will meet this requirement. This may be achievable on paper but
in practical terms it will be unworkable.
A Resource is someone or something that performs a task as is needed for a task to occur. A resource can be an employee, funds, plant, materials,
consultants, department or business.
Planning means balancing funds, time and resources, when one of these three factors is restricted, the other two become more critical to finishing the project.
The most difficult problems can now be resolved using a recognised software package. The software will identify work hours, hourly rate, associated cost
fields, time allocation and so on.
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The phasing of the activities, the control of resources, plant and materials constitute the progressing of the works. The method of ensuring that an accurate
check is kept upon progress is obviously important, depending as it does upon frequent comparisons between achievement and benchmarked programme.
Such comparisons can be made to throw into prominence any divergence between the two, by plotting the progress on the charted programme.
Without the reliability of this procedure reporting is subject to abuse and misrepresentation. The method for recording physical progress should be established
and agreed between all parties at a very early stage of the project
Different organisations have their own preference for recording progress, some of the methods may include:
Envelope Management - 'S' Curves, measuring Actual against Early Start, Late Start. This method is particularly powerful in a project where there are several
hundred/thousand activities. It is pictorial representation of-
Percentage Progress - Blocking out the part of the activity completed measured against 'time now'. For example if the activity is 50% complete 50% of the
overall bar is blocked in. When plotted against' time now' this method will create a 'jagged line' through the project throwing into prominence those activities
ahead or behind schedule.
Remaining Duration - This method highlights progress from the actual start date of the activity to the point at which the remaining work is scheduled to begin.
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You can determine performance using earned value - the calculated value of work satisfactorily completed based on a target plan.
Measuring earned value involves three key indicators: planned value (or budgeted cost for work scheduled-BCWS, earned value (or budgeted cost for work
performed-BCWP), and actual cost for work performed (ACWP).
Tracking these values over time, you can determine the past spending and schedule trends for the project, together with a forecast of future costs.
Measuring performance using earned value is more effective if the exercise is undertaken as a fully integrated planning and cost exercise.
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What if a prolonged strike takes place? What if a there is a prolonged period when the design information is not forthcoming? Whatever the delays, this will
impact on the programme. What can be done to make up lost time? How will increased labour impact the cost of the project? If the contract is in conflict over
resources, how will that affect the long term results. These and many more questions can be answered effectively and efficiently by applying against a robust
baseline programme. The end result can be 'Mitigation' thus avoiding conflict and damaging claims.
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5.6 Forecasting
As the project is progressed actual data is entered thus allowing a review of future effects. With this kind of information available, project conditions can be
adjusted as needed.
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5.7 Evaluating
Reviewing the past leads to improvement in the future, it will help to focus your efforts next time round. For instance:
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6. Planning Terminology
There are two basic formats of network on which various methods are based:
• Activity on Arrow
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6.2 Activities
An activity is the basic building block of a project network. It produces a means by which an extensive and complex sequence of events may be broken down
into more manageable components
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6.3 Durations
The estimate of the time required to perform an activity is known as its duration. This is written within the node and may be in any time unit.
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6.4 Dependencies
A network is built by linking together a number of interconnected activities to produce a model of a particular process or project. The most common types of
links are:
These links may have durations attached to them, which indicate periods of time that must occur between the points connected by the link. This is known as a
logic delay.
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A relationship in which, the start of a successor activity depends on the completion of its predecessor activity.
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6.6 Start to start (SS) relationship
A relationship between activities in which, the start of a successor activity depends on the start of its predecessor.
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A relationship in which, the finish of a successor activity depends on the finish of its predecessor activity.
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6.8 Start to finish (SF) relationship (Seldom used in the Construction Industry)
A relationship between activities in which, a successor activity cannot complete until its predecessor activity starts.
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6.9 Formalities/Conventions
When using computer-aided techniques it is advisable and necessary to draw the initial network manually. There are basically only two formalities of logic to
be considered when drawing a precedence network.
This may appear to be a statement of the obvious but when a large network has been drawn and subsequently changed, with activities being amended or
deleted, it is common for these formalities to be varied. This is not to say that the network is, as a result, incorrect, but care must be taken to ensure that the
clarity of the network is not lost.
From the point of view of computer analysis, deviation from these conventions has no effect on the results obtained. Adherence is recommended purely as an
aid to communication and avoidance of errors.
Some of the more familiar terms associated with precedence networks are as follows:
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This is the longest path through the project and the shortest time that the project can be built.
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This is the amount of time an activity can be delayed before affecting the critical path.
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This is the amount of time within an activity that can be delayed before it affects another activity.
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This is the difference between a must finish date and the scheduled finish.
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6.17 Milestones
Indicate the beginning or end of a major event or phase, or any other important point in your project.
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6.18 Flags
Signal the start or finish of an activity or group of activities. Milestones and flags have no original or remaining duration. You must assign actual dates to
milestones.
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Use hammocks to monitor the elapsed beginning-to-end duration of a group of activities. Hammock duration is the number of days between the beginning of
the first activity and the end of the last one in the group--not the sum of the activities' durations. If several hammocked activities overlap, the hammock's
duration will be smaller than the combined durations; if large gaps exist between the activities in the hammock, its duration may be longer.
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6.20 Baseline
After you establish an acceptable project plan, you copy it as a baseline. As the project progresses, use this baseline as a benchmark to compare dates,
resources, and costs to the current schedule. Use this method to measure project status as well as performance. Using target plans enables you to review
delayed activities relative to the original plan.
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6.21 Lag
Lag is time delay from a preceding activity to its successor and lags can be positive or negative.
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A relationship between two activities in which, the completion of the predecessor activity determines the early dates for the successor activity. A predecessor
with zero free float is a driving predecessor.