University Project Planning: Schedule Management Discussion (PROJ6002)

This discussion post delves into the critical aspects of schedule management within project planning, focusing on the impact of scope creep and the necessity of effective stakeholder communication. The author explains schedule management as the process of estimating, developing, and communicating task timelines to the project team, emphasizing its dependence on project scope, time, and cost. The post highlights how changes in project scope (scope creep) can lead to schedule variances, particularly in fixed-scope projects, and stresses the importance of informing stakeholders about these changes through formal communication channels and variance reports. The author uses the Vehicle Maintenance Facility case study to illustrate how scope creep can negatively impact a fixed-price project, requiring extra efforts and resources. The post concludes by emphasizing the need for clear communication criteria and the use of project management tools to ensure stakeholders remain informed and the project stays on track. This assignment is available on Desklib, a platform providing AI-based study tools and resources for students.

Running head: DISCUSSION
Discussion on Schedule Management
Name of Student
Name of University
Author Note

1DISCUSSION
Part A-Discussion on Schedule Management
Schedule management can be indicated as a process of estimating, developing and
communicating the time needed for execution of a task to the project team (Ma et al. 2014). The
management of schedule of a project is largely dependent on the undertaken project scope, time
and cost. The scope of the project significantly affects the project schedule. After scheduling any
particular project, if the scope of the project changes, variance in project schedule in inevitable
(Newton, 2015). The change is project scope is termed as scope creep and it affects the timely
delivery of the project. The scope creep generally indicates additional requirements that
negatively impact the planned schedule. Therefore, changes in the original schedule is to be
made to ensure that the project is delivered as per the expectation of the client (Moneke &
Echeme, 2016). Scope creep is common in projects and therefore variances in the project are
required to be communicated to the stakeholders. Informing the stakeholders, about the changes
and the variances in the project is necessary as the stakeholders are needed to be kept informed
about the changes needed in the project.
The schedule variance linked with the project is needed to be communicated to
stakeholders by using formal communication channel and communication vehicle (Patil, 2016).
The variance report is to be shared with the stakeholders to inform them about the changes in the
project. For effective communication with the stakeholders, defining a clear communication
criteria is necessary to keep the stakeholders updated about the changes needed to be
incorporated in the project. The use of several project management tools such as a
communication plan can help in easier communication flow among the stakeholders of the
project (Farok & Garcia, 2016). For example, in the Vehicle Maintenance Facility Case Study,
changes in the scope of the project will indicate an entire change in schedule plan as the

2DISCUSSION
estimation for the duration of each task is already completed. Furthermore, several problems can
be faced with the change in schedule since the entire project is a fixed scope arrangement
between the owner and general contractor. Scope creep in a “Fixed-scope” project is not likely
and therefore, in case any change in the scope is observed, it is necessary to inform the
stakeholders with an utmost priority. The schedule plan for Vehicle Maintenance Facility project
is already completed and communicated to the stakeholders and therefore, if any variance in the
developed plan is observed because of the scope creep, the stakeholders of the project are
required to be informed about the same through the formal project reports and revised schedule
plan.
Therefore, it can be concluded that scope creep generally have a negative impact on the
schedule of the project. The scope creep in a fixed scope project is quite risky mainly because the
situation indicates a complete change in the original schedule plan. This requires an extra effort,
time and money, which is not beneficial for a “fixed-price” project like that of the Vehicle
Maintenance Facility Project.

3DISCUSSION
References
Farok, G. M. G., & Garcia, J. A. (2016). Scope creep monitors level of satisfaction, cost of
business and slippery slope relationships among stakeholders, project manager, sponsor
and PMO to execute project completion report. Journal of International Association of
Advanced Technology and Science (JIAATS), 2(2), 15-23.
Ma, G., Wang, A., Li, N., Gu, L., & Ai, Q. (2014). Improved critical chain project management
framework for scheduling construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering
and Management, 140(12), 04014055.
Moneke, U. U., & Echeme, I. I. (2016). Causes and Effects of Scope Creep on Large-Scale
Public Sector Construction Projects. International Journal of Engineering and Technical
Research (IJETR) 5 (2), 165-172.
Newton, P. (2015). Managing Project Scope.
Patil, G. V. (2016). Project Management Challenges. Project Management, 3(11).