How to Save a Failing Project

9 Establishing a Schedule

In this chapter, we explain how to develop a resource-loaded schedule, which will answer two very important questions: “When will the project be done?” and “How much will the project cost?” Figure 9-1 illustrates how the creation of the schedule fits into the plan development process (PDP).

The project schedule is also used to set and communicate stakeholders’ expectations, solidify the project team’s and external stakeholders’ commitment to the milestones for which each group is responsible, and gain the project sponsor’s commitment to provide resources, including personnel, budgets, equipment, and time. In short, the schedule is used for more than just tracking status and is critical to the success of the project. ...