Methods to Develop and Maintain Project Schedules

This document discusses different methods used to develop and maintain project schedules, such as critical path analysis and Gantt charts. It explains how these methods can be applied to projects of different scales and complexity. The document also covers the use of PERT and Monte Carlo simulation for estimating project durations, as well as the roles of ethics and professionalism in project management.

BODY OF
KNOWLEDGE
1

Contents
AMP LO 6.......................................................................................................................................3
LO 6: Understand how to develop and maintain project schedules................................................3
6.1 Outline different methods used to develop and maintain project schedules.........................3
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and
complexity to: estimate the duration of project activities (including critical path analysis).......3
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and
complexity to: monitor progress against project schedules (including earned value
management)................................................................................................................................5
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and
complexity to: maintain project schedules to take account of deviations from the initial project
plan (including critical path analysis, critical chain)...................................................................6
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and
complexity to: communicate project schedules to different stakeholders (including the use of
Gantt charts, work breakdown structures, histograms, S-curves)...............................................9
6.3 Recognise when program evaluation review technique (PERT) or Monte Carlo simulation
would be appropriate methods to estimate the duration of project activities..............................9
AMP LO 12...................................................................................................................................10
Learning Outcome 12 - Understand the roles of ethics and professionalism within project
management...................................................................................................................................10
12.1 Determine how to behave in compliance with recognised standards of conduct for project
management...............................................................................................................................10
12.2 Explain the main features of a profession and individual, organisational and institutional
responsibilities for developing and maintaining a profession...................................................11
12.3 Explain the personal qualities and technical expertise required to function as a
professional................................................................................................................................12
12.4 Describe the characteristics and benefits of a community of practice within a profession
...................................................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15
2

AMP LO 6
LO 6: Understand how to develop and maintain project schedules
6.1 Outline different methods used to develop and maintain project schedules
The different methods of project scheduling include -
1. Mathematical analysis - PERT and CPA are the two usually used methods by project
managers. These help in calculating time span of project by scope of the project.
a. Critical path method - the tree diagram of every project has critical path which estimates
minimum and maximum time needed to complete the project. This method also helps in
determining critical task which must be incorporated into project.
b. PERT- it is a method to schedule flow of task in project as well as evaluation total time taken
to finish it. This method assists represent the way each task is relying on the other. In order to
schedule the project by using this technique, it is required to define the activities or tasks, arrange
them in systematic manner as well as define milestones.
2. Gantt Chart - for tracking progress as well as reporting purposes, this method is a
visualisation technique which is utilised in management of a project in civil engineering.
It is utilised by the managers most of the time in order to get an idea regarding average
time required to complete a project. Gantt chart scheduled of project as a bar chart which
represent main activities in systematic way in the sequence on left versus time. Each
activity is represented through a bar which reflects the initiation and date of activity and
thus its duration.
6.2 (i) Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and
complexity to: estimate the duration of project activities (including critical path analysis)
On the projects which are small scale or large scale, PERT charts and critical path analysis
are used in which the first step is to list all the activities in plan. For each particular activity, the
earliest starting date is demonstrated, estimated time length it will require whether it is sequential
of parallel is demonstrated. For planning of building a house, there are some task sequences and
each task takes distinct amount of resources and time. To build the walls and lay roof, it takes
more time than to install fixtures and faucets.
3

If the project manager had to figure out the critical path of the project, they would look at
the sequence which takes most amount of time like -
The task description of and the duration of activity are as follows:
4

Since the goal of the project manager is to finish the project as soon as possible, the project
manager tries to find out earliest completion time for each activity. In order to do this, all the
tasks or activities are organised into flowchart as well as note down their durations next to task
ID. The arrows in the diagram indicate sequence of activities:
In the above provided diagram, the longest path is the critical path.
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and complexity
to: monitor progress against project schedules (including earned value management)
Critical Path Analyses for this particular project are presented utilizing arrow diagrams and
circles.
5

In these, the circles demonstrate the events in project, like the initiation as well as
completion of tasks. Apart from this, the number revealed in left-hand half of circle enables
project manager to determine each one easily. These circles are at times known as nodes.
Moreover, an arrow running amid two event circles demonstrates activity required to finish
that task. In relation to the task, description is written underneath an arrow. The interval of the
task or activity is shown above. Through convention, all the arrows run left to right and are are
also at times called arcs.
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and complexity
to: maintain project schedules to take account of deviations from the initial project plan
(including critical path analysis, critical chain)
On the projects which are small scale or large scale, critical path analysis and PERT charts
are used in which the first step is to list all the activities in the plan. For each particular activity,
the earliest starting date is demonstrated, estimated length of time it will require whether it is
sequential of parallel is demonstrated. For planning of building a house, there are some task
sequences and each task takes distinct amount of resources and time. To build the walls and lay
roof, it takes more time than to install fixtures and faucets.
If the project manager had to figure out the critical path of the project, they would look at the
sequence which takes most amount of time like -
6

The task description of and the duration of activity are as follows:
Since the goal of the project manager is to finish the project as soon as possible, the project
manager tries to find out earliest completion time for every activity. In order to do this, all the
tasks or activities are organised into flowchart as well as note their durations of time next to the
task ID. The arrows in the diagram indicate sequence of activities:
7

PERT is difference on Critical Path Analysis (CPA) which takes somewhat more skeptical
sight of time estimates made for every stage of project. In order to utilize it, it is required to
estimate shortest possible time that every activity associated with the project will take. The most
possibly time length as well as the longest time which may be taken if a task or an activity takes
lengthier than expected.
Below provided is the formula which help in calculating the time utilize for each stage of the
project.
shortest time + 4 x likely time + longest time
----------------------------------------------------------
6
With the help of this formula, the project manager enables to bias time estimates away from
idealistically short scales of time normally assumed.
8

In the above provided diagram, the longest path will be the critical path.
6.2 Show how the different methods can be used for projects of different scales and complexity
to: communicate project schedules to different stakeholders (including the use of Gantt
charts, work breakdown structures, histograms, S-curves).
6.3 Recognise when PERT or Monte Carlo simulation would be appropriate methods to estimate
the duration of project activities
PERT can be stated as a way to schedule task flow in project as well as estimation total
time taken to finish it. This method assists represent the way each task is relying on the other. In
order to schedule the project by using this technique, it is required to define activities or tasks,
arrange them in systematic manner and define milestones. The PERT techniques utilised to
determine the time that a particular activity or task takes to complete. By the assistance of this
9

method, proper scheduling and coordination of tasks can be done throughout the project. it
assistant project manager to keep track on the progress of the project. knowing the time, it must
take to implement project is important, as it assist manager to decide on the factors like task
delegation and budget. In order to depict the project evaluation review technique, flow chart is
used in which the notes represent events and directorial lines depicts task. This technique assists
in maximizing the utilisation of resources and makes the planning of a project more manageable.
It also allows manager to better estimate more definite completion date. On the other hand,
Monte Carlo simulation is a method to emulate the activities of project. It is technique which is
performed numerous times in order to understand the variability of process as well as quantify it.
By using this method, the project manager can determine the outcome of events with utilization
of random number subject to the allocated possibilities.
AMP LO 12
Learning Outcome 12 - Understand the roles of ethics and professionalism
within project management
12.1 Determine how to behave in compliance with recognised standards of conduct for project
management
All the professional bodies have some code of conduct to agreed standards in order to
direct members and increase the level of confidence and trust of people in the profession. APM,
as a specialised body, needs to have great ethical standards. The ethical behaviour and ethics are
the main part of professionalism and thus, crucial to chartered journey of APM. High ethical
behaviour standards inflation benefits everyone - quality of project delivery is increased, status
of profession itself is improved, society benefits as managers of project have finish their work to
high standard, not only within budget or on the defined schedule, but along with an ethical
responsibility. Ethical values like respect, empathy and integrity are very important and requires
to be followed by project manager. These applies to the all aspects of conduct of business, from
sales techniques, accounting practices and boardroom strategies to stakeholder relations as well
as issues of product responsibility. In civil engineering projects, it is very important for the
manager to follow the standards of conduct and make compliance with them. Responsibility,
respect, honesty, fairness are the values that leads to ethical conduct for project management
profession. These help in ensuring that all the actions and decisions are always honourable as
10

well as in the best interest of stakeholders. Apart from this, Transparency is the another ethical
behaviour or standard that project manager requires to follow while conducting civil engineering
project. It helps in ensuring that all the processes are transparent and ensure reliability and
validity of project.
12.2 Explain the main features of a profession and individual, organisational and institutional
responsibilities for developing and maintaining a profession
Professionalism is referred as the demonstrable awareness as well as application of
specialised and expert knowledge within the particular field as well as acceptance of standards
associated with that profession application of qualities and competencies, involving appropriate
skills and knowledge. There are some main features of a profession and individual including
accountability, great responsibility, autonomy, specialised theoretical knowledge etc. The
specialists deal in vital significance matters to their clients and thus, entrusted with grave
obligations and responsibilities. Given these inherent obligations, the work of professionals
typically includes circumstances where breach of ethics, inadequate skill or carelessness would
be significantly damaging to customers or his fortunes. Apart from this, accountability is another
feature where professionals hold themselves accountable for quality of work with client. They
ensure adherence of principle of accountability and take responsibility for the project. The
project management professionals in civil engineering project work directly with clients instead
of through intermediaries. Thus, they have that working relationship with their clients which is
the another feature of profession and individual. Organisations and institutions are responsible
for developing and maintaining a profession. They work towards constantly developing
competence, skills and knowledge among project professionals by continuous professional
development. It is vital to keep the project professionals up to date as well as improve their own
competence over the period of time. The project professionals have the responsibility to act
ethically as well as report any wrong doing. In addition to this, they are also responsible to
understand the regulatory environment so that work can be done in professional manner.
12.3 Explain the technical expertise and personal qualities required to function as a professional
In the civil engineering projects, there are various technical expertise and personal qualities
needed to function as a professional. Despite of differences among different professions, it is
possible to determine certain qualities and characteristics which are shared by all those
individuals who are extremely respected in their profession and who recognise as good
11

professionals. A good professional in the civil engineering projects is technically competent and
has normally receive formal and systematic training in the field. It typically takes form of multi-
year package at graduate or undergraduate level. During the initial years of professional life, the
work proximally with experienced professionals. They also seek continuous learning which will
help in their overall growth and development. Some of the qualities which are required by
professionals includes -
1. Good communication - it is one of the quality that is very much essential for the
professionals. It is required by the professionals to be able to communicate clearly, write
concise emails using appropriate tone and format. In interviewing, facilitating,
handshaking, business writing, dealing with difficult people etc., good communication is
required.
2. Public speaking - every job requires public speaking quality as the professionals likely
to speak in the meetings, giving long presentations and administering information to
colleagues. It is needed by the professionals to be capable of speaking to others in a clear
and concise way and present information effectively. Public speaking quality required
skills like confidence, articulation, social skills, projection, creating presentation slides
etc.
3. Leadership - it is an another quality that professionals must have. They should possess
effective leadership qualities so that they are being able to lead members effectively.
Leadership skills help in providing direction to the employees so that they can work
accordingly towards accomplishment of organisational goals. Some of the skills which
shows leadership abilities involves coaching, mentoring, planning, management,
influence, accountability, growth mind set, prioritization, politeness etc.
Apart from these qualities, some technical expertise is also required by the professionals
including project management, Big data analytics, social media experience, technical writing,
coding and programming etc. In civil engineering projects, project management is the crucial
technical expertise required by the professionals in order to manage the project properly.
12.4 Describe the characteristics and benefits of a community of practice within a profession
Community of practice is defined as a group of individuals who share common concern, an
interest in topic, or set of issues and who come collectively to fulfil group and individual goals. It
often emphasizes on sharing best practices as well as developing new knowledge to advance
12

professional practice domain. The communities of practice depend on web-based and face to face
collaborative environment in order to connect, perform community activities as well as
communicate. The characteristics of community of practice within the profession are as follows:
1. Domain - the members of community have shared domain of commitment, competence
and interest which distinguish them from others. It develops common ground, inspire
people to participate, direct their learning as well as provide meaning to their actions.
2. Community - the members of community pursue this interest by discussions, joint
activities, information sharing, relationship building and problem solving opportunities.
The community notion develops social fabric for allowing collective learning.
3. Practice - the members of community are actual experts in this interest domain and
develop a shared range of resources as well as ideas they take back to the practice.
Whereas the domain administers general interest area for community, the practice is
particular emphasis round which the people in the community shares, develops and
maintain its core collective knowledge.
Apart from this, there are various benefits of community of practice within the profession.
Some of the benefits are provided below:
1. Develop support network for members - communities of practice tends to initiate
forming without any encouragement from organisation. It develops support network for
the members where individuals naturally want to connect with other individuals to find
support.
2. Develop better practice and sharing knowledge - when the community initiates to
meet, the individuals start to share challenges and stories. It is a great place for them to
initiate developing trust that is important for community of practice to thrive. There are
number of advantages of sharing stories for the members as well as organisation. It
assists in reducing duplication of efforts as individuals will discover same things they are
working on.
3. Hiring and building capability - if communities of practice has developed, that it brings
new skills into organisation easily. When community of practice is developed of
individuals who share specific role, it can assist institution by being responsible of hiring
staff and developing new employees once they arrived.
13

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
De Costa, P.I., Sterling, S., Lee, J., Li, W. and Rawal, H., 2021. Research tasks on ethics in
applied linguistics. Language Teaching, 54(1), pp.58-70.
Domenec, F. and Millot, P., 2021. What Is Professional in a Professional Magazine? Using
Corpus Analysis to Identify Specializedness in Professional Discourse and Culture.
In Good Data in Business and Professional Discourse Research and Teaching (pp. 55-
87). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Jackson, B.R., Ye, Y., Crawford, J.M., Becich, M.J., Roy, S., Botkin, J.R., de Baca, M.E. and
Pantanowitz, L., 2021. The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology and Laboratory
Medicine: Principles and Practice. Academic Pathology, 8, p.2374289521990784.
Jefford, E., Nolan, S., Munn, J. and Ebert, L., 2021. What matters, what is valued and what is
important in mentorship through the Appreciative Inquiry process of co-created
knowledge. Nurse education today, 99, p.104791.
Jensen, U.T., Schott, C. and Steen, T., 2021. Value Conflicts in Public Organizations. Managing
for Public Service Performance: How People and Values Make a Difference, p.239.
Kerry, T., 2021. Ethics for Teachers and Middle Leaders: A Practical Guide. Routledge.
Markoc, I. and Cizmeci, F., 2021. Ethics in real estate: agency practices in
Istanbul. International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis.
Mohd Ghazali, N.A., 2021. Factors influencing ethical judgements of accounting practitioners:
some Malaysian evidence. International Journal of Social Economics.
Picciotto, R., 2021. Evaluation as a Social Practice: Disenchantment, Rationalities and
Ethics. Evaluation and Program Planning, p.101927.
Ponomareva, N.S., 2021, March. Role and place of Informatics in the training of future teachers
of mathematics. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1840, No. 1, p. 012035).
IOP Publishing.
Rhodes, M.G., Fletcher, K.E., Blumenfeld-Kouchner, F. and Jacobs, E.A., 2021. Spanish
Medical Interpreters’ Management of Challenges in End of Life Discussions. Patient
Education and Counseling.
Royce, M., Jariwala, J., Petzer, M. and Turner, J., 2021. Perspectives of authentic assessment and
professional practice interventions in teaching and learning. In SHS Web of
Conferences (Vol. 99, p. 01033). EDP Sciences.
Samimi, E. and Sydow, J., 2021. Human resource management in project-based organizations:
revisiting the permanency assumption. The International Journal of Human Resource
Management, 32(1), pp.49-83.
Thelin, A., 2021. Care Ethics for Supported Decision-making. A Narrative Policy Analysis
Regarding Social Work in Cases of Dementia and Self-neglect. Ethics and Social
Welfare, pp.1-18.
Yibrehu, B., Kancherla, R. and Azzie, G., 2021. Ethical Considerations Regarding Global
Surgery Experiences in Canadian General Surgery Residencies: A Preliminary
Discussion. Journal of Surgical Education.
14