Task: Create Schedule
This task creates the project schedule.
Disciplines: Project Management
Purpose
The purpose of this task is to create an initial schedule to be an accurate reflection of the project conditions, to maximize the accuracy of the prediction of time and cost for the project.
Relationships
RolesPrimary Performer: Additional Performers:
InputsMandatory:
    Optional:
    • None
    Outputs
      Main Description
      A schedule is a time-sequenced set of estimates of work activities loaded onto personnel resources. It is a crucial plan that allows effective management of the activities and resources to produce the desired product.
      Steps
      Identify desired functionality
      From the system requirements specification and/or the use case model, functionality is selected for inclusion in the system design.
      Identify key risks
      Risks are a source of danger to the project. Risk mitigation activities are work activities that have the express purpose of mitigating identified risks. The risk mitigation activities must be identified and scheduled.
      Plan the set of prototypes
      For each prototype, identify its mission and use estimation techniques to determine the calendar time and effort. The delivery of each prototype forms a primary project milestone.
      Construct detailed prototype plans

      For each prototype, specify the work activities and efforts required:

      • Estimate the effort for each sub-phase in the microcycle
      • For hard date or fixed duration tasks, use that data
      • Identify risks to task completion
      • Define first cut staffing
      Evaluate schedule
      Schedules can be evaluated by using alternative estimation schemes, such as COCOMO or Use Case Points. You can also compare the schedule to schedules for previously completed projects of similar scope.
      Rework schedule until it is acceptable

      Schedules are an optimization of time, effort, and manpower. At most, two of these can be specified and the third computed from the others. Schedules can be adjusted by the following actions:

      • adding or removing functionality
      • changing the order of the delivery of functionality
      • making buy vs. build decisions
      • adding or subtracting personnel resources
      • outsourcing or subcontracting functionality

      Note that arbitrarily changing the estimates without changing the actual work activity is not in the list.