Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) n Develop the project goal yourself n Take a cursory pass at defining the objectives –the preliminary plan n Have teams refine the objectives n Have teams break down the objectives into tasks n Have doers break down tasks into activities All jobs are easier when they are broken into smaller pieces!

Scheduling Tools n Activity-on-Nodes – flow charts that represent each activity with a node (box). This chart is used to indicate precedence in a meaningful way. Gantt Charts – bar chart that represents the sequence and duration of activities. AB

Scheduling n Who sets the schedule? n How do we set Priorities? n How do we get everyone to agree? n How do we handle foul-ups? n Can we really anticipate problems? n What about changes?

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) n A schedule that shows each steps of the project n Make sure that each step of the project is completed in the appropriate order.

Hierarchy of Work n Figure 8-1 (p. 154) n Project -> Objectives -> Tasks -> Activities

Objectives n Big chunks of the project, when added together accomplish the project goal. n Project Goal: Kitchen Remodeling n Objectives –Plans and Specs –Demolition & Clearing –Installation & Finishing

Tasks n Represents one of several major deliverables towards an objective. n Objective: Demolition & Clearing n Tasks: –Remove old wallpaper –Remove old light fixtures –Remove old linoleum & counter tops

Activities n Basic building blocks of a project n Individual actions that will be preformed one at a time. n Task: Remove old light fixtures n Activities: –Turn off circuit breakers –Remove overhead light –Remove chandelier in the breakfast area

Activities – Example 2 n Task: Remove old linoleum n Activities: –Remove baseboard & old linoleum –Remove fixtures & old countertops –Dispose of old material

Develop Work Breakdown Structure n Develop the project goal yourself n Take a cursory pass at defining the objectives – the preliminary plan n Have teams refine the objectives n Have teams break down the objectives into tasks n Have doers break down tasks into activities

Precedence Relationships n Relationships between activities based on when they occur in relation to each other. n Logical categories that will influence the sequencing of activities: –Technical requirements –Safety and efficiency consideration –Policy or preference decision –Availability of limited resources

Scheduling Tools n Gantt Chart: a bar chart that is visual representation of the sequencing and duration of activities on any given project (Figure 8-5 p. 162). n PERT/CPM Chart: diagrams, consisting of nodes connected by arrows, that shows the flow of work and highlight of precedence relationships. n PERT: Program Evaluation and Review Technique n CPM: Critical Path Method

Case study n Project: Surprise Party Cake