Project Scheduling
Crashing
- This is addition of project resources or working longer hours or changes to the original project baseline to speed up the overall timing of the project completion
- This is typically the last resort option as it can often lead to increased costs and reduced quality
- It requires measuring the cost of crashing against the beenfits of early completion
When to use crashing? * Delays * Project started late * Significant delays or disruptions compromising the likelihood of completion on time * Budget Exhaustion
How to use crashing? * Ex. Project takes 6 months but stakeholder asks to complete it in 4 to benefit from a cost saving program * Planning * Identify tasks that need to be finished and prioritised * Effective communication and collaboration
Fast-tracking
- Timeline of the project is shortened by overlapping or eliminating certain tasks or activities
- It may mean working on activities simultaneously instead of linearly
- Often considered a risky tehcnique as it can lead to coordination problem and potantial quality issues
When to use fast tracking? * When it is possible to start simultaneously different aspects of a project
How to use fast tracking? * Identify all essential tasks that need to be completed to ensure project success * Determine which activities can be performed in parallel
Usually Fast tracking is done before crashing since it does not cost more.