3 - Programming and Planning Flashcards
What is the difference between Total and Free Float?
- Total float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed before affecting the end date
- Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed before affected a subsequent activity
What is the Critical Path?
- The longest duration through the activity network, which in turn defines the shortest time the project can be completed in.
- There is no float on the CP
Explain Earned Value
Earned Value looks at the value earned by the project by a point in time. Two key metrics are the Schedule Performance Index and the Cost Performance Index (SPI and CPI)
Explain the SPI calculation
- Earned Value divided by Planned Value e.g.
100m wall, £1,000 per metre, 100 days duration. At day 10 there is 20m of wall complete.
20 divided by 10 = 2.
Greater than 1.0 is good, less is bad.
Can then apply this factor to the end date to get a forecast completion date.
Explain the CPI calculation
- Earned Value divided by Actual Cost e.g.
100m wall, £1,000 per metre, 100 days duration. At day 10 there is 5m of wall complete, but it’s cost £10,000:
5000 divided by 10,000 = 0.5
Greater than 1.0 is good, less is bad
Divided the total cost by 0.5 to get EAC.
What kinds of Delay analysis are you aware of?
Split in to two key camps: proactive and retrospective.
- Time impact analysis - do it as you go. Drop in the change.
- Time Slice Window - Retrospectively split your programme in to time windows and drop in the impact sequentially. Effectively a retrospective NEC approach.
- Collapsed As Built - Take the as-built and subtract the delay out of it
All require good records and programme data..
How do you create a programme?
- Scope of programme
- WBS
- Plug in constraints
- Fill in what I know
- Consult wider team
- Add risk and opportunity
- Run analysis of scenarios
- Identify the CP
- Identify assumptions
How can you show progress on a programme?
- Drop line
- % Complete metrics
- Jagged drop line
What is time at large?
When the EOT mechanism is broken and unenforceable meaning Completion is effectively whatever it ends up being. Removes obligation to pay LADs.
What are some alternatives to a Gantt Chart?
- Network Diagrams
- WBS
- Kanban board/task list
- Sprint cycles
What is the difference between resource levelling and resource smoothing?
Both are used to avoid peaks and troughs, but:
Levelling = when resources are constrained, what is the programme going to be?
Smoothing = when time is constrained, can resources be smoothed out to achieve the end date? I.e. delay some tasks to get the CP done.
Can you explain a time where the programme was impacted?
- North Pole train standing
- Temple Mills change of access arrangements
- Planning delay to Basingstoke
