Process: Control Schedule
Process Group: Monitoring and Controlling
Knowledge Area: Project Schedule Management
Purpose
The Control Schedule process involves monitoring the status of the project schedule, identifying deviations, and managing changes to the schedule baseline. Its objective is to ensure the project stays on track by evaluating performance data, forecasting outcomes, and implementing corrective actions when needed.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Includes the schedule management plan and the schedule baseline.
- Project Documents – Activity attributes, schedule data, lessons learned register, and assumption log.
- Project Schedule – The detailed plan against which performance is tracked.
- Work Performance Data – Real-time updates on task status, completion, and duration.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Schedule control procedures, reporting templates, and historical data.
Tools and Techniques
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Data Analysis
- Earned Value Analysis (EVA)
- Iteration Burndown Charts (Agile)
- Performance Reviews
- Trend Analysis
- Critical Path Analysis
- Variance Analysis
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Critical Chain Method – Considers resource availability and buffers to maintain schedule flexibility.
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Project Management Information System (PMIS) – Scheduling software used to collect, analyze, and display schedule data.
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Resource Optimization – Adjusting schedules to reflect current resource usage and availability.
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Leads and Lags – Modifying dependency timing to optimize schedule flow.
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Schedule Compression – Techniques like fast tracking and crashing to recover slippage.
Outputs
- Work Performance Information – Interpreted results that reflect current schedule performance vs. plan.
- Schedule Forecasts – Predictions of future progress and estimated completion dates (e.g., Estimate at Completion).
- Change Requests – Raised when deviations require schedule or plan updates.
- Project Management Plan Updates – Adjustments to the schedule baseline or schedule management plan.
- Project Document Updates – Revisions to activity attributes, assumptions, risks, and lessons learned.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- Within the Monitoring and Controlling Process Group, Control Schedule ensures project timeframes remain valid and realistic as execution unfolds.
- As part of Project Schedule Management, it integrates analysis and adjustment, keeping the schedule responsive and relevant.
Why It Matters
- Detects Delays Early – Enables timely response before delays impact delivery.
- Enables Forecasting – Provides future-looking insights to support decision-making.
- Maintains Stakeholder Confidence – Keeps communication transparent through accurate reporting.
- Protects the Baseline – Ensures changes are evaluated and approved before altering the schedule.