What questions should you ask during a CPM schedule review?

1 Project Scope and Objectives

The first question to ask during a CPM schedule review is whether the project scope and objectives are clearly defined and aligned with the schedule. You need to verify that the schedule reflects the scope of work, the deliverables, the milestones, and the quality standards that are agreed upon with your client and stakeholders. You also need to check that the schedule supports the project objectives, such as meeting the budget, the deadline, and the expectations of the end-users. If the scope or objectives change during the project, you need to update the schedule accordingly and communicate the impact to all parties involved.

2 Activity Definition and Sequencing

The next question to ask during a CPM schedule review is whether the activities are properly defined and sequenced. You need to ensure that each activity has a clear description, a realistic duration, a responsible person, and a logical relationship with other activities. You also need to avoid any gaps, overlaps, or conflicts in the activity sequencing, which can affect the accuracy and reliability of the critical path. You can use tools such as a work breakdown structure (WBS), a network diagram, or a Gantt chart to visualize and validate the activity definition and sequencing.

3 Resource Allocation and Availability

The third question to ask during a CPM schedule review is whether the resources are adequately allocated and available. You need to consider the availability, capacity, and cost of the resources that are required for each activity, such as labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors. You also need to account for any constraints, dependencies, or uncertainties that may affect the resource allocation and availability, such as weather, permits, regulations, or market fluctuations. You can use tools such as a resource histogram, a resource calendar, or a resource leveling technique to optimize and balance the resource allocation and availability.

4 Risk Identification and Mitigation

The fourth question to ask during a CPM schedule review is whether the risks are identified and mitigated. You need to identify and analyze the potential risks that may impact the project schedule, such as delays, errors, changes, disputes, or accidents. You also need to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, such as contingency plans, buffers, reserves, or alternative scenarios. You can use tools such as a risk register, a risk matrix, or a Monte Carlo simulation to quantify and prioritize the risks and their impact on the project schedule.

5 Schedule Control and Communication

The fifth question to ask during a CPM schedule review is whether the schedule control and communication are effective. You need to monitor and measure the actual progress and performance of the project against the baseline schedule, and identify and report any deviations, variances, or issues. You also need to control and communicate any changes, updates, or adjustments to the schedule, and obtain the approval and feedback of your client and stakeholders. You can use tools such as a schedule performance index (SPI), a schedule variance (SV), or a progress report to track and report the schedule status and performance.

6 Schedule Quality and Validation

The sixth question to ask during a CPM schedule review is whether the schedule quality and validation are satisfactory. You need to ensure that the schedule meets the quality standards and criteria that are established for the project, such as completeness, consistency, accuracy, and reliability. You also need to validate and verify that the schedule is realistic, feasible, and achievable, and that it complies with the best practices and guidelines of the industry and the organization. You can use tools such as a schedule quality check, a schedule audit, or a schedule review checklist to evaluate and improve the schedule quality and validation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?