Risk Assessment and Best Practices in Scheduling

"Risk Assessment and Best Practices in Scheduling" by Steven S. Pinnell, PE

PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE, COLLEGE OF SCHEDULING, Annual Conference, Scottsdale, Arizona, 24May05

The scheduling profession needs better guidelines for ‘best practices’ in the preparation, review, and use of construction schedules. In order to help fulfill that need, this paper reports on:

1. A recent survey of construction scheduling practices of contractors and project owners, and the results. The survey identified: (1) the amount and causes of contract changes, (2) the percentage of changes that became claims and the possible reasons, (3) the extent and causes of delay, (4) scheduling practices by contractors and project owners, (5) the identifiable correlations between scheduling practices and delays or claims, and (6) a discussion of the problems identified and possible solutions.
2. A new master scheduling specification that promotes better schedules, timely project completion, and fewer delays and claims – while protecting the owner and treating the contractor fairly.
3. Recommended ‘best practices’ for: (1) schedule preparation by contractors; (2) schedule review, tracking and corrective action by project owners; and (3) review of delays, evaluation of claims and time extension requests, and resolution of scheduling disputes.
4. The use of risk assessment tools and techniques to evaluate schedules, achieve better schedules, anticipate problems and delays, and guide the parties in avoiding problems and resolving disputes.
5. Teambuilding and a cooperative, partnering approach to project management and conflict resolution.
6. Education and training needed to improve the quality of scheduling.