Project Planning, Scheduling and Resource Allocation

PROJECT PLANNING, SCHEDULING AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION

RATIONALE A project without a plan is just a wish. In the complex world of project delivery, the ability to orchestrate time, people, and money is the single most critical factor in success. Effective project planning and scheduling is the backbone of execution; it transforms abstract goals into a concrete roadmap.

However, many projects suffer from “optimism bias”—schedules that are unrealistic and resource allocations that burn out teams. When the plan fails, the project fails. To deliver on time and within budget, managers must master the science of critical path analysis and the art of resource leveling.

This training programme goes beyond basic to-do lists. It immerses participants in the advanced techniques required to build robust, defensible schedules that withstand the pressures of reality. It ensures that every resource is utilized efficiently and every milestone is hit with precision.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Develop comprehensive Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to define scope.

• Master project planning and scheduling techniques like CPM and PERT.

• Estimate activity durations and costs with higher accuracy.

• Allocate and level resources to avoid bottlenecks and overallocation.

• Use scheduling software concepts to track progress and forecast delays.

• Apply schedule compression techniques (Crashing and Fast-Tracking) effectively.

COURSE CONTENT

Day One: Scope Definition and Work Breakdown

• The foundation of planning: From Charter to Scope Statement

• Creating a deliverables-oriented Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

• Defining work packages and control accounts

• The 100% Rule in scope management

• Integrating scope with project planning and scheduling

Day Two: Network Logic and Scheduling

• Sequencing activities: Dependencies (FS, SS, FF, SF) and leads/lags

• Critical Path Method (CPM): Identifying the longest path

• Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) for uncertain durations

• Calculating float (slack) and its importance in flexibility

• Developing the initial project schedule baseline

Day Three: Resource Management and Costing

• Estimating resource requirements: Labor, Material, and Equipment

• Resource Loading vs. Resource Leveling: Smoothing the peaks

• Cost estimating techniques (Parametric, Analogous, Bottom-up)

• Developing the project budget and S-Curve

• Integrating cost and schedule baselines

Day Four: Schedule Control and Optimization

• Baselines vs. Actuals: Tracking progress

• Earned Value Management (EVM) basics for performance measurement

• Schedule compression: When to Crash and when to Fast-Track

• Managing changes to the schedule and cost baseline

• Using project planning and scheduling software (Concepts of MS Project/Primavera)

Day Five: Reporting and Recovery

• Progress reporting for different stakeholders

• Analyzing variances and forecasting completion (EAC, ETC)

• Recovery plans for troubled projects

• Managing schedule risks and buffers

• Group exercise: Developing a recovery schedule for a delayed project

METHODOLOGY The training will be delivered using interactive and practice-oriented learning approaches, including:

• Expert-led presentations

• Hands-on scheduling exercises (Network Diagrams)

• Case studies of complex project schedules

• Software demonstration (MS Project/Primavera concepts)

• Group workshops

TARGET AUDIENCE This programme is suitable for:

• Project Planners and Schedulers

• Project Managers and Team Leads

• Construction Managers and Site Engineers

• IT Project Coordinators

• Operations Managers

MODE OF ASSESSMENT Participants will be assessed through:

• Development of a WBS and Network Diagram

• Resource leveling exercise

• Schedule analysis case study

• Certificates of participation will be issued upon successful completion.

FEES Training fees are charged per participant and are inclusive of:

• Training materials

• Resource documentation

• Certificate of participation

• Refreshments (where applicable)

• Detailed fee structure available upon request.

VENUE The programme can be delivered at:

• AYU GLOBAL–approved training centres

• Client-designated venues

• Virtual or hybrid platforms, where applicable

DATE To be scheduled in consultation with participating organizations.

DURATION Five (5) Days

CAPABILITY STATEMENT AYU GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL is a leading management and capacity development consulting firm with expertise in:

• Advanced project planning and scheduling

• Project controls and performance management

• Resource optimization strategies

• Institutional capacity building

• Strategic leadership and project management

The firm has successfully delivered training and advisory services to government institutions, regulatory agencies, private sector organizations, and development partners.

FACULTY / RESOURCE PERSONS The programme will be facilitated by seasoned professionals with expertise in:

• Project Controls and Scheduling (PSP/PMI-SP)

• Civil Engineering and Construction Management

• IT Project Management

• Cost Engineering

• Enterprise Project Management Software

CONCLUSION Time is the one resource you cannot buy. Mastering project planning and scheduling is the only way to ensure you don’t waste it. This programme equips your team with the precision tools needed to deliver projects on time, every time. AYU GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL is your partner in operational efficiency.