Scheduling: Ten Things To Get Right, A Series

No.2 Sequencing ALL Activities

Proper sequencing of activities in a project schedule is crucial for ensuring the successful completion of a project. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), sequencing refers to the process of determining the logical order of activities and events in a project schedule. This process is essential for identifying the dependencies between tasks and ensuring that resources are allocated and utilized effectively.

There are several key reasons why proper sequencing is important for project success. First and foremost, it helps to ensure that the project is completed on time. By identifying the dependencies between tasks and scheduling them in the correct order, project managers can avoid delays and ensure that the project is completed within the allotted timeframe. This is especially important for projects with tight deadlines, such as construction projects or software development projects.

Proper sequencing also helps to ensure that the project is completed within budget. By identifying the dependencies between tasks and scheduling them in the correct order, project managers can avoid unnecessary costs and ensure that resources are allocated and utilized effectively. This is especially important for projects with limited budgets, such as non-profit projects or government projects.

Proper sequencing also helps to ensure that the project is completed with high-quality results. By identifying the dependencies between tasks and scheduling them in the correct order, project managers can ensure that all necessary steps are taken to produce high-quality results. This is especially important for projects with high-quality standards, such as engineering projects or medical research projects.

Proper sequencing also helps to ensure that the project is completed with minimal risk. By identifying the dependencies between tasks and scheduling them in the correct order, project managers can minimize the risk of delays and ensure that resources are allocated and utilized effectively. This is especially important for projects with high risk, such as defense projects or space exploration projects.

To properly sequence activities in a project schedule, project managers should follow the guidelines set forth by the PMI and the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). According to the PMI, project managers should begin by identifying all the activities that need to be completed and then determining the dependencies between them. This can be done by creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) or a project network diagram. Once the dependencies have been identified, project managers should then schedule the activities in the correct order.

The AACEI recommends that project managers use a technique called critical path method (CPM) to properly sequence activities in a project schedule. CPM is a mathematical algorithm that helps project managers to identify the critical path of a project and schedule activities accordingly. The critical path is the sequence of activities that must be completed on time in order for the project to be completed on schedule. By identifying the critical path and scheduling activities accordingly, project managers can ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

In conclusion, proper sequencing of activities in a project schedule is crucial for ensuring the successful completion of a project. By identifying the dependencies between tasks and scheduling them in the correct order, project managers can ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, with high-quality results, and with minimal risk. Project managers should follow the guidelines set forth by the PMI and the AACEI to properly sequence activities in a project schedule. By doing so, they can ensure that their projects are completed successfully.