Schedules and Constraints:
A) It is easily said (though often ignored) that schedules must be developed within the constraints that impinge upon the project manager and the organization.
B) Constraining (and enabling) resources include:
- People: competencies and skills, as well as quantity
- Material availability: e.g. raw materials for development or construction projects, or survey data for a market research project.
- Equipment: the type, size and quantity
- Working capital: to fund development and ensure cash flow.
C) All the above resources can impede or delay the start and completion of activities:
- and therefore need to be effectively scheduled and managed.
D) Likewise, by taking a decision to increase resources available, we may be able to reduce project completion times:
- this shortening of time is known as “crashing”