The Integrated Project Schedule is an essential coordination tool in Projects, in particular because it focuses on the interfaces between different functions. In our consulting interventions we often notice that Integrated Project Schedules do not have the expected quality. This necessarily leads to poor decisions being taken on the basis of inaccurate data. In our new White Paper 2015-18 ‘How to Produce an Adequate Integrated Project Schedule’ we summarize the expected properties of Integrated Project Schedules and how to build them properly at the onset of a Project.

Useful principles include in particular:

• Make sure the schedule is fully aligned with the Project’s objectives and strategy,
• Concentrate on the interfaces between functions,
• The typical duration of an activity should cover a number of reporting periods,
• Very early activities (in the first 2-3 months) and close-out activities should be represented by sets of milestones rather than activities that would be tracked with physical progress,
• The activities should be easy to update with actual physical progress measurement,
• Vary the detail of the sequences of activity according to their criticality,
• Use custom fields to code the activities according to all the different views and filters you intend to use,

Project managers and their teams have all sort of excuses about not having the time to lead a proper review and development of their Project’s Integrated Project Schedule. It is true that at the onset of Project execution the amount of tasks to be done is daunting. At the same time, would you sail for a long voyage without a proper map that would serve you to take navigation decisions?

Producing a useful Integrated Project Schedule is arguably the most rewarding investment that can be done at the start of Project execution. The investment will redeem itself through proper positioning and relevant decision-making throughout the Project life.
Take the time to devise a proper Integrated Project Schedule. Do it as a team with representatives from all functions, aiming at the Project purpose and goals. It is really worth it.

Discover principles and methods in our new White Paper 2015-18 ‘How to Produce an Adequate Integrated Project Schedule’.