A feasible and effective response to control a schedule that is running behind schedule and over budget
would be to implement a "critical path method" (CPM) analysis. This is a project management technique
that identifies the key activities that must be completed on time for the project to be completed on
schedule. By identifying these critical path activities, the project manager can prioritize resources and
efforts to ensure that these activities are completed on time. Additionally, the project manager can also
identify any potential schedule bottlenecks and take proactive steps to resolve them before they become
major issues. For example, the manager could bring in additional resources, implement process
improvements, or re-sequence activities to ensure that the project stays on track. CPM is widely used and
supported by numerous project management resources, such as PMI (Project Management Institute), and
is a commonly used tool in the industry to help manage complex projects.
Is to implement an effective and efficient approach to controlling a schedule that is running behind
schedule and over budget would be to use a critical path method (CPM). To ensure that a project is
completed on schedule, key activities must be completed on time. Sally Winnhawk can prioritize her
resources and efforts based on these critical path activities in order to ensure that these activities are
completed well ahead of schedule. Moreover, Sally, the project manager, can spot potential schedule
bottlenecks early and resolve them before they cause major problems. Adding tools, implementing
process improvements, or reshaping activities are some of the ways in which Sally can keep the project
on track. In its most basic form, CPM helps the project manager identify the most critical parts of a
project and helps him or her to prioritize them. It provides a practical, disciplined method for setting
objectives and determining how to achieve them.
Another feasible and effective way to control a schedule running behind is to use earned value
management (EVM) techniques. EVM is a project management method that compares a
project’s planned work and cost to the actual work and cost incurred. By tracking the actual
progress of the project against the planned progress, the project manager can identify any
variances and take corrective actions to bring the project back on schedule. For example, if the
actual work is behind schedule, the project manager could implement schedule acceleration
techniques, such as overlapping or compressing activities, to get back on track. Additionally, the
project manager can also track the budget performance of the project and take corrective actions,
such as negotiating better deals with suppliers or re-sequencing activities to reduce costs, to
bring the project back within budget. EVM is widely used and recognized as a best practice in
the project management industry, as it provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to
schedule and budget control.
The second response to control this schedule is using earned value management (EVM)
techniques which is another feasible and effective way to control a schedule that is running
behind schedule. By comparing the project's planned work and costs with the actual work and
costs, EVM is a good project management method that Sally can implement. Identifying
variances in project progress can be accomplished by tracking the real progress against the
planned progress. Taking corrective actions can also help Sally bring the project back on
schedule. Using schedule acceleration techniques, such as overlapping or compressing activities,
Sally could accelerate the work schedule if it is behind schedule.
Based on the information provided, the "best" response to control a schedule that is running
behind and over budget would be a combination of both critical path method (CPM) analysis and
earned value management (EVM) techniques. CPM provides a clear understanding of the critical
activities that must be completed on time, while EVM provides a comprehensive view of the
actual progress and budget performance of the project. By combining these two techniques, the
project manager can have a complete and holistic view of the project and make informed
decisions to bring the project back on schedule and within budget.
For example, the project manager could use CPM to prioritize the critical path activities and
allocate resources accordingly, while using EVM to track the actual progress and budget
performance of the project. This will allow the project manager to identify any variances and
take corrective actions, such as schedule acceleration or cost reduction, to bring the project back
on track. By combining these two techniques, the project manager can proactively address
potential issues and minimize the risk of the project falling further behind schedule and over
budget.
The best method to control a schedule that is running behind and over budget would be a combination
of both critical path method (CPM) analysis and earned value management (EVM). In CPM, critical
activities are clearly defined, while in EVM, the actual progress and budget performance of the project
are assessed comprehensively.
