Develop Schedule
Develop Schedule is the process of analyzing activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule model for project execution, monitoring, and controlling.
Explanation
Develop Schedule integrates all the outputs from the preceding scheduling processes (Define Activities, Sequence Activities, Estimate Activity Durations, and Estimate Activity Resources) to build the project schedule model. This model determines planned start and finish dates for each activity and establishes the overall project timeline.
Key techniques used in this process include the Critical Path Method (CPM), resource optimization (leveling and smoothing), schedule compression (crashing and fast tracking), and what-if scenario analysis. The critical path method calculates the longest path through the network, determining the minimum project duration and identifying activities with zero float. Resource optimization adjusts the schedule to address resource constraints or smooth resource usage.
The outputs of Develop Schedule include the schedule baseline, the project schedule (commonly presented as a Gantt chart, milestone chart, or project schedule network diagram), schedule data, project calendars, and updates to the project management plan. The schedule baseline is the approved version of the schedule model and serves as the basis for measuring and reporting schedule performance throughout the project.
Key Points
- •Integrates all scheduling inputs to create the schedule model
- •Uses CPM, resource optimization, and schedule compression techniques
- •Produces the schedule baseline and project schedule presentations
- •Schedule model determines planned start and finish dates for all activities
Exam Tip
Develop Schedule is an iterative process. After initial development, resource constraints, risk responses, and changes may require the schedule to be recalculated multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a schedule network analysis technique used to estimate the minimum project duration and determine the amount of scheduling flexibility (float) on the logical network paths within the schedule model.
Schedule Baseline
The schedule baseline is the approved version of the schedule model that is used as a basis for comparison with actual results to determine if corrective or preventive action is needed.
Schedule Compression
Schedule compression is a technique used to shorten or accelerate the project schedule duration without reducing the project scope.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Most-studied PMP concepts
High-yield topics our learners drill most before exam day.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Resource Smoothing
Resource smoothing is a resource optimization technique that adjusts activities within their available float so that resource requirements do not exceed predefined limits, without changing the project end date.
Burndown Chart
A Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a Sprint or release, showing whether the team is on track to complete the planned work.
Risk Register
The risk register is a project document that records the details of individual project risks, including their identification, analysis results, response plans, and current status.
Stakeholder Mapping
Stakeholder mapping is the visual representation of stakeholder relationships, influence, interest, or other attributes using grids, matrices, or diagrams to support analysis and engagement planning.
Relative Estimation
Relative Estimation is an agile technique where work items are sized in comparison to each other rather than in absolute units like hours or days, providing faster and more accurate estimates.
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures cost performance as the ratio of earned value to actual cost: CPI = EV / AC.
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures schedule performance as the ratio of earned value to planned value: SPI = EV / PV.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Earned Value Management (EVM) is a methodology that integrates scope, schedule, and cost data to assess project performance and progress objectively.
Part of
Schedule Management
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