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the PMKI
Taxonomy
Subjects covered in this section take an in-depth look at
the function of project controls and scheduling.
While project controls is a tools and techniques focused
discipline, it is important to remember the core
techniques are:
1. Thinking about the objective to be achieved
2. Gathering ideas from people
3. Organizing the ideas in a sensible way
4. Validating the proposed solution
5. Communicating the solution and getting buy-in
6. Monitoring progress to see what is going to plan and
where
re-planning or reorganizing is
required.
The various tools and techniques used in planning sit in
point 3 above and assist in point 6. Many of the tools are
listed in PM Software and Tools.
Project Controls 3.0:
PC-3.0 Overview
[PC-3-00-Overview.php]
Project Controls 3.0 (PC-3.0) is designed to build onto
the existing developments in project management and
project controls to:
- Overcome the problems apparent in the current diverse
range of project management and controls practices,
- Implement a simple, robust system that is effective
for all types of project delivery, and
- Refocus the controls effort on helping management
craft success, rather than report on history.
Integrated Project
Controls [PMKI-SCH-005.php]
Project controls is an integrated process that include
the data gathering, management and analytical processes
used to predict, understand and constructively influence
the time and cost outcomes of a project or program
through the communication of useful information. This
subject focuses on the overall integrated process of
‘controlling’ a project or program.
Note: An extensive discussion on the history and
development of project controls is included in the The History of Project
Controls section of this site.
Controls professionals,
skills, competency & training
[PMKI-SCH-007.php]
The future of project management is predicted to be one
that focuses on the ‘soft skills’ including;
communication, motivation and leadership. Uncertainty
will be recognized as normal and skills for managing
uncertainty will become essential for successful project
delivery. Consequently, the skills needed by project
controls professionals, and schedulers will be focused
on using the schedule to assist in the effective
management of the use of resources, by supporting the PM
Team with useful information. This paradigm emphasizes:
- Collaboration and agreement
- Coordination and timely information, and
- The ability to adapt to changing circumstances
quickly.
This subject looks at the skills and competencies needed
by effective controls staff and the qualification
framework
Reporting &
Communicating Controls Information
[PMKI-SCH-008.php]
This subject considers the challenges associated with
communicating project controls information effectively.
Managers need to understand the information created by
the project controls function, before they can make
effective use the knowledge to make informed decisions.
CPM
Schedule Management - Overview [PMKI-SCH-010.php]
This subject provides an overview of scheduling, its
benefits, and the issues and challenges of delivering
effective schedule support to the project management
team.
Strategy, Schedule
Planning & Design [PMKI-SCH-011.php]
Successful projects are planned. This subject looks at
the role of strategy, planning the project, and
designing the project controls system, in crafting
success.
Schedule Development
& Time Analysis [PMKI-SCH-012.php]
This subject covers the development of a dynamic CPM
schedule plus time analysis calculations, the critical
path and float.
Resource & Costs
Analysis [PMKI-SCH-013.php]
Creating a realistic and achievable schedule requires
the consideration of resources and costs. This subject
considers the options for including costs and resources
in the CPM schedule.
Authorizing &
Maintaining the Schedule [PMKI-SCH-014.php]
This subject looks at authorizing and baselining the
project schedule and then the routine of statusing and
updating the schedule to maintain its relevance.
Schedule Risk Assessment
[PMKI-SCH-015.php]
Every estimate about a future outcome is uncertain! This
subject looks at the effect of uncertainty on schedule
predictions and the tools and techniques available to
manage the consequences of uncertainty and improve the
reliability of projected completion dates.
Scheduling Complexity
& Mega Projects [PMKI-SCH-017.php]
The management of mega-projects and complexity are seen
as specialist disciplines that extend beyond traditional
project management. This section considers the
implications of complexity in the management of
mega-projects.
Schedule Quality
Assessment [PMKI-SCH-020.php]
This subject focuses on the emerging science of
measuring schedule quality and conformance to ‘good
practice’ and the automated tools that are now available
to assist in this process. There is a strong correlation
between a well-constructed schedule and a desirable
project outcome, applying these concepts will enhance
the probability of on-time completion.
Scheduling Methodologies
and Approaches [PMKI-SCH-025.php]
This subject looks at a range of scheduling
methodologies and approaches to improving project
scheduling. Traditional ‘critical path’ scheduling (CPM)
is only one of the ways to develop a useful and
effective schedule, and in many situations it is far
from optimal.
PM Software and Tools
[PMKI-SCH-030.php]
This subject takes a look at the range of project,
program and portfolio software and tools available to
use (many free). Where we can, links to the developers'
web sites are provided.
Project Controls Books
& Resources [PMKI-SCH-035.php]
This page offers a brief overview of a few of the 1000s
of books, standards and guides focused on scheduling and
project controls available in the marketplace, the
organizations we know of, and other web based resources
that are free, or easy to join. We focus on books we
have reviewed, used, or written.
Earned Value &
Earned Schedule [PMKI-SCH-040.php]
This subject looks at Earned Value Management (EVM)
which, in conjunction with Earned Schedule, has proven
itself to be one of the most effective performance
measurement and feedback tools for managing
projects.
Work Performance
Management [PMKI-SCH-041.php]
This subject looks at the use of Work Performance
Management to overcome some of the challenges
encountered in scheduling, managing, and claiming delays
in agile and distributed projects.
Claims and Forensic
Analysis [PMKI-ITC-020.php]
Many projects end up in various forms of dispute over
time, money quality and/or scope. This subject looks at
the causes of project failure and how to manage disputes
when they arise.
