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Sorin Dumitrascu

The Control the Project Schedule (PMI - PMP) is course 11 of 28 of the Project Management Professional Certification Program (PMI-PMP).

It's essential in successful project management to be able to monitor activities to discover and correct any schedule variances, evaluate the effective schedule changes on all project activities, and make adjustments as required to minimize risk on your project schedule.

In this course, you're going to learn how to apply useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep your project on track.

Read more

The Control the Project Schedule (PMI - PMP) is course 11 of 28 of the Project Management Professional Certification Program (PMI-PMP).

It's essential in successful project management to be able to monitor activities to discover and correct any schedule variances, evaluate the effective schedule changes on all project activities, and make adjustments as required to minimize risk on your project schedule.

In this course, you're going to learn how to apply useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep your project on track.

1. Inputs to Control Schedule2. Tools and Techniques of Control Schedule 3. Monitoring Schedule Performance4. Outputs of Control Schedule5. Use Resource Leveling6. Use Resource Smoothing7. Crash the Schedule8. Use Fast Tracking9. Exercise: Controlling the Project Schedule

The importance of schedule control can't be overstated. Every project, no matter how well-planned, encounters unexpected roadblocks and delays. The skills you learn in this course will give you a powerful toolkit to navigate these challenges. You'll learn to analyze potential problems before they become crises, understand how delays ripple through your project, and develop creative solutions that protect your timeline and budget. This isn't just about staying on track; it's about empowering you to become a proactive problem-solver who can confidently guide a project through any obstacle.

That’s it. Now go ahead and push that “Take this course” button, and see you on the inside.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify inputs to the control schedule process
  • Recognize tools and techniques used to control the schedule
  • Perform earned value management calculations to assess a project's schedule performance
  • Recognize examples of the outputs of the control schedule process
  • Recognize if resource leveling is the ideal resource optimization technique, given a scenario
  • Recognize if resource smoothing is the ideal resource optimization technique, given a scenario
  • Recognize if crashing is the most appropriate schedule compression technique, given a scenario

Syllabus

In this course, you're going to learn how to apply useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep your project on track.

A day in the life of a project manager

Read more

In this course, you're going to learn how to apply useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep your project on track.

Effective Learning

FAQs

The Project Management Professional Certification Course (PMI-PMP) includes a number of 28 sections covering the most relevant information in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK6) developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping

After completing this topic, you should be able to identify inputs to the Control Schedule process.

The Science of Better Learning

Control Schedule: Inputs, Tools & Techniques, and Outputs

After completing this topic, you should be able to recognize tools and techniques used to control the schedule

After completing this topic, you should be able to perform earned value management calculations to assess a project's schedule performance

After completing this topic, you should be able to recognize examples of the outputs of the Control Schedule process

Iteration Burndown Chart

After completing this topic, you should be able to recognize if resource leveling is the ideal resource optimization technique, given a scenario

After completing this topic, you should be able to recognize if resource smoothing is the ideal resource optimization technique, given a scenario

After completing this topic, you should be able to recognize if crashing is the most appropriate schedule compression technique, given a scenario

After completing this topic, you should be able to recognize if fast tracking is the most appropriate schedule compression technique, given a scenario

After completing this topic, you should be able to demonstrate your understanding of the Control Schedule process

PMI Certification Info

PMI PMP Exam Outline

After completing the Project Management Professional Certification Program (PMP), take your preparation to the next level with the Test Prep: Project Management Professional: PMI - PMP Exam Mastery.

Dive deep into key topics, practice with real exam scenarios, and ensure you're fully equipped to conquer the PMI exams with confidence.

What's next?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Part of a 28-course program, which may offer a comprehensive and structured approach to PMP certification, covering a wide range of project management topics
Teaches techniques to monitor project activities, identify schedule variances, and implement corrective actions, which are essential skills for effective project management
Explores resource leveling and resource smoothing, which are valuable techniques for optimizing resource allocation and managing project constraints
Examines schedule compression techniques like crashing and fast tracking, which are useful for accelerating project timelines when necessary
Requires familiarity with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK6), which may necessitate additional study for those new to project management methodologies
Recommends a test prep course, which may indicate that this course alone is not sufficient for PMP exam preparation and that further study is needed

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Reviews summary

Schedule control for pmp certification

According to learners, this course offers a clear and concise overview of schedule control techniques essential for project management, particularly highlighting its strong alignment with the PMI-PMP certification. Students found the explanations easy to understand, especially for concepts like Earned Value Management. While many appreciated the provided exercises and examples for reinforcing learning, a few reviewers noted that the course could benefit from greater depth or more complex scenarios and practice problems for a truly comprehensive understanding. Overall, it's seen as a valuable module within the larger PMP program.
EVM explanations are particularly good.
"The section on Earned Value Management was well-explained..."
"The explanations for EVM were great, making it much easier to grasp."
"EVM section is a highlight."
"Explains the core concepts and tools. EVM section is good."
Concepts are explained in a clear way.
"...the instructor's explanations are very clear."
"The content is presented in a digestible format."
"The explanations are clear, especially on EVM."
"The concepts are clearly explained and the material is aligned with PMBOK."
Directly relevant for PMP exam prep.
"Excellent course to improve my understanding of PM concepts and prepare for the PMI-PMP exam."
"Very useful course! Directly relevant to my work and the PMP exam."
"Found this course invaluable for my PMP prep."
"Spot on for PMP prep! Clear explanations, relevant examples."
Provided exercises are useful but basic.
"...the examples and exercises helpful in solidifying my understanding."
"The practical activity which helped apply the concepts learned."
"...exercises were helpful but limited in scope."
"The exercises were too basic. I expected more challenging scenarios..."
Could use more detail, examples, or practice.
"...it felt a bit rushed. The explanations are okay, but sometimes lacked depth."
"I had to consult other resources to fully understand some of the techniques."
"Could use a bit more practical application examples, perhaps a larger case study."
"I expected more challenging scenarios for practice."
"Felt superficial. Had to supplement with other materials."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Control the Project Schedule (PMI - PMP) with these activities:
Review Project Management Fundamentals
Reinforce foundational project management concepts to better understand schedule control processes.
Show steps
  • Review the PMBOK guide's introductory chapters.
  • Complete a practice quiz on project management principles.
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling
Supplement course materials with a comprehensive project management textbook.
Show steps
  • Read relevant chapters on schedule management and control.
  • Review case studies and examples of schedule control in practice.
Earned Value Management (EVM) Calculations
Master EVM calculations to accurately assess project schedule performance.
Show steps
  • Solve practice problems involving EV, AC, PV, SPI, and CPI.
  • Analyze different scenarios and interpret EVM results.
  • Use EVM data to forecast project completion dates.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Peer Review of Schedule Management Plans
Improve understanding by reviewing and providing feedback on schedule management plans.
Show steps
  • Exchange schedule management plans with a peer.
  • Provide constructive feedback on clarity, completeness, and feasibility.
  • Discuss alternative approaches and best practices.
Develop a Schedule Control Checklist
Create a practical checklist to ensure consistent and effective schedule control.
Show steps
  • Identify key steps in the schedule control process.
  • Develop a checklist with actionable items for each step.
  • Share the checklist with peers for feedback and refinement.
Simulate Schedule Control on a Mock Project
Apply schedule control techniques in a simulated project environment to solidify understanding.
Show steps
  • Create a project schedule with dependencies and milestones.
  • Introduce unexpected delays and resource constraints.
  • Apply crashing, fast tracking, and resource leveling techniques.
  • Track and analyze schedule variances using EVM.
Agile Project Management: Creating Innovative Products
Explore Agile methodologies to broaden your understanding of project scheduling.
Show steps
  • Read about Agile scheduling techniques like sprint planning.
  • Compare and contrast Agile and traditional schedule control methods.

Career center

Learners who complete Control the Project Schedule (PMI - PMP) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
A project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They lead teams, manage resources, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Because this course focuses on how to monitor activities to discover and correct any schedule variances, the course is directly applicable to the role of the project manager. The course teaches how to evaluate the effective schedule changes on all project activities and make adjustments as required to minimize risk to a project's schedule. A project manager who takes this course will be well-equipped to handle schedule control.
Program Manager
A program manager oversees multiple related projects, often with a strategic business objective. They coordinate resources, manage dependencies, and ensure alignment with overall organizational goals. Someone looking to become a program manager may find this course helpful. Because the course teaches useful techniques in project schedule control, program managers can use these techniques to minimize risk on their projects schedules. Also, the course helps one to stay on track, empowering one to become a proactive problem-solver who can confidently guide a project through any obstacle. This course may therefore be useful to become a program manager.
Construction Manager
Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, schedules, and subcontractors to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently. This course is directly applicable to the construction manager because they are responsible for minimizing risk on their project schedule, which is exactly what this course teaches. Construction managers may use the skills taught in this course to analyze potential problems before they become crises, understand how delays ripple through the project, and develop creative solutions that protect the project's timeline and budget.
Scrum Master
A scrum master facilitates agile project management methodologies, ensuring the team adheres to scrum principles and practices. They remove obstacles, facilitate meetings, and help the team improve its performance. This course may be useful to a scrum master because they have to ensure the team is on schedule. One of the learning objectives includes recognizing tools and techniques used to control the schedule. Since a scrum master is essentially in charge of a project, then this course may be helpful to them to learn how to maintain schedule control.
Product Manager
Product managers guide the lifecycle of a product, from conception to launch and beyond. They define product strategy, prioritize features, and work with engineering, marketing, and sales teams to bring products to market. Product managers may be heavily involved in project management. Given the focus of this course on schedule control, a product manager may find it helpful to ensure projects are being completed on time. The course teaches one how to apply useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep projects on track.
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify business needs, analyze data, and recommend solutions to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. They often work on projects to implement new systems or processes. Because business analysts may be involved in implementing new systems or processes, they are likely involved in project management. This course may be useful because it teaches how to monitor activities to discover and correct any schedule variances. The skills learned in this course may help business analysts navigate challenges.
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee the day-to-day activities of an organization to ensure efficiency and productivity. They manage resources, streamline processes, and implement improvements. Because operations managers are interested in efficiency, it may be useful to learn schedule control. This course may be helpful because it teaches one how to analyze potential problems before they become crises, understand how delays ripple through the project, and develop creative solutions that protect the project's timeline and budget. Taking this course may help the operations manager manage resources.
Management Consultant
Management consultants provide expert advice to organizations to improve their performance. They analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement changes. Since management consultants may be in charge of implementing changes, the skills learned in this course may be useful to them. This course is designed to help improve one's ability to minimize risk on a project schedule. The syllabus mentions that the course covers the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs to control the schedule. The course may also help management consultants become proactive problem-solvers.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and insights. They use statistical methods and data visualization tools to communicate their findings to stakeholders. While perhaps not immediately obvious, data analysts may use techniques related to schedule control. Therefore, this course may be useful to data analysts. The course teaches one to perform earned value management calculations to assess a project's schedule performance. This may be useful for a data analyst in determining how to allocate resources.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts provide financial guidance to businesses to help them make sound investment decisions. They analyze financial data, prepare reports, and make recommendations. While perhaps not immediately obvious, financial analysts may use techniques related to schedule control. Therefore, this course may be useful to financial analysts. The course teaches one to perform earned value management calculations to assess a project's schedule performance. This may be useful for a financial analyst in determining how to allocate resources.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply chain managers oversee the flow of goods and materials from suppliers to customers. They manage inventory, negotiate contracts, and optimize logistics. Because supply chain managers need to be able to get goods to customers on time, they must ensure that projects are completed on time. This course may be helpful because it teaches one how to analyze potential problems before they become crises, understand how delays ripple through the project, and develop creative solutions that protect the project's timeline and budget. Taking this course may help the supply chain manager.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training of employees. They also manage employee relations, compensation, and benefits. While this course may not be directly related to human resources management, it may be useful to stay organized. This course may be helpful because it teaches useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep projects on track. One of the syllabus topics is effective learning. The skills taught in this course may help the human resources manager navigate challenges.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products and services. They oversee advertising campaigns, conduct market research, and manage budgets. While this course may not be directly related to marketing management, it may be useful to stay organized. This course may be helpful because it teaches useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep projects on track. The skills taught in this course may help the marketing manager navigate challenges to complete advertising campaigns on time.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead sales teams to achieve revenue targets. They set sales goals, train sales representatives, and develop sales strategies. While this course may not be directly related to sales management, it may be useful to stay organized. This course may be helpful because it teaches useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep projects on track. The skills taught in this course may help the sales manager navigate challenges to meet sales goals on time.
Executive Assistant
Executive assistants provide administrative support to senior executives. They manage schedules, coordinate travel arrangements, and prepare reports. While this course may not be directly related to being an executive assistant, it may be useful to stay organized. This course may be helpful because it teaches useful techniques to control the project schedule to keep projects on track. The skills taught in this course may help the executive assistant navigate challenges to meet deadlines.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Control the Project Schedule (PMI - PMP).
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management, including detailed coverage of scheduling and control processes. It offers a systems perspective, emphasizing the integration of different project management functions. This book is commonly used as a textbook and provides a broad understanding of project management principles. It is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.
Provides an overview of Agile project management methodologies. While the course focuses on traditional project management, understanding Agile approaches can provide valuable context and alternative perspectives on schedule control. This book is more valuable as additional reading to broaden understanding of different project management approaches.

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