|
|
|||||||
| Home Page |
|||||||
Project Management - Time Estimates and PlanningAccurate time estimation is a skill essential for good project management. It is important to get time estimates right for two main reasons:
Often people underestimate the amount of time needed to implement projects. This is true particularly when the project manager is not familiar with the task to be carried out. Unexpected events or unscheduled high priority work may not be taken into account. Project managers also often simply fail to allow for the full complexity or potential errors and stuff ups, involved with a project. The 2004-2006 Wembley Stadium project in London is often used as an example, although there are countless others of less profile. Time estimates are important as inputs into other techniques used to organise and structure all projects. Using good time estimation techniques may reduce large projects to a series of smaller projects. Step 1 - Understand the Project Outcome First you need to fully understand what it is you need to achieve. (Refer to my article; Project Management - Begin with the end in mind). Review the project /task in detail so that there are no ‘unknowns'. Some difficult-to-understand, tricky problems that take the greatest amount of time to solve. The best way to review the job is to just list all component tasks in full detail. Step 2 - Estimate time When you have a detailed list of all the tasks that you must achieve to complete the project then you can begin to estimate how long each will take. Make sure that you also allow time for project management administration, detailed project, liaison with outside bodies' resources and authorities, meetings, quality assurance developing supporting documentation or procedures necessary, and training. Also make sure that you have allowed time for:• Other high urgency tasks to be carried out which will have priority over this one • Accidents and emergencies • Internal/external meetings • Holidays and sickness in key staff/stakeholders • Contact with other customers, suppliers and contractors • Breakdowns in equipment • Missed deliveries by suppliers • Interruptions by customers, suppliers, contractors, family, pets, co- workers etc • Others priorities and schedules e.g. local government planning processes • Quality control rejections etc. • Unanticipated events (e.g. renovating the bathroom finding white-ants/termites in the walls) These factors may significantly lengthen the time and cost needed to complete a project. If the accuracy of time estimates is critical, you will find it effective to develop a systematic approach to including these factors. If possible, base this on past experience. In the absence of your own past experience, ask someone who has already done the task or project to advise what can go wrong; what you need to plan for; and how long each task took previously. You can lose a great deal of credibility, and money, by underestimating the length of time needed to implement a project. If you underestimate time, not only do you miss deadlines, you can also put other people under unnecessary stress. Step 3 - Plan for it Going Wrong Finally, allow time for all the expected and unexpected disruptions and delays to work that will inevitably happen. Sickness, strikes, materials not available, poor quality work, bureaucratic bungling etc.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Tags: Project Management, Planning, Project, Executive Coach, Project Planning, Liz Cassidy, Third Sigma International, Third Sigma, Tasks List, Time Estimates, End Point, Defined End Point, Managing A Project, Begin With The End In Mind Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/management-articles/project-management-time-estimates-and-planning-15655.html About the Author:
Liz Cassidy, founder of Third Sigma International is an author, Speaker, Trainer and Executive and Performance Coach dedicated to facilitating results in the businesses, professional and personal lives of her clients. For more information http://www.thirdsigma.com.au
Related ArticlesProject Management - Begin with the end in mind Project Management -How To Manage All The Interested Parties To Get Your Project Completed Essential Documents to Manage your Projects – a Shortcut to Success So, Where is the Greener Grass? Getting The Most From Your Emails Maximising your Communication When Replying to Emails Tips for Turning "lessons Learned" Into "best Practices" Brain-Compatible Goal Setting - How and Why Goals Drive Motivation Got a Question? Ask.Ask the community a question about this article:Frequently Asked Questions Does Motorola manufacture cell phones for non profit groups or small companies? Clear PCM Code Hyundai Santa Fe What is yahoo! Messenger 8 Basic rules for construction Project Management What is the Citibank - India SWIFT code? Can anybody drive light vehicle if his license ... Latest Management ArticlesProcess Improvement Teams For Six Sigma Success Guidelines For Six Sigma Healthcare Project Selection 7 Reasons Why Six Sigma Benchmarking Efforts Fail Imagination.io Commercial Landlords May Offer 1 Month Agreements Unknown Facts About Leadership Revealed Two Questions to Help You Change Your Leadership Style Grow Your Physical Therapy Business With Focus and Clarity More from Liz CassidyMaximising your Communication When Replying to Emails Getting The Most From Your Emails Project Management -How To Manage All The Interested Parties To Get Your Project Completed So, Where is the Greener Grass? Project Management - Begin with the end in mind |
|||||||
|
Article Categories
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||