Prepare schedule based on methodology

As a proponent of the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, it’s crucial to understand the importance of scheduling based on methodology. The schedules aim to identify project tasks and their respective time frames, dependencies and resources. However, the scheduling isn’t a generic method; it’s pliable and should adapt to the project’s needs and methodologies applied. Below are some valuable insights that should guide you in creating a tailored schedule that aligns with the recommended methodologies.

Waterfall Methodology and Scheduling

The Waterfall methodology follows a linear approach where the project is partitioned into distinct stages, each dependent on the completion of the preceding stage. This methodology is known for its sequential process that includes stages such as requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, delivery, and maintenance.

When scheduling using the waterfall methodology, everything must be planned from the beginning, including every task and resource. Precedents and dependencies should be clear and logged in the schedule. The schedule follows a top-down approach, and it’s rigid due to a lack of flexibility in going back to a ‘completed’ phase. Therefore, accuracy and foresight in the initial planning phase are paramount.

For instance, consider a project to develop a software application. The stages could include requirement gathering, system design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Each stage must be completed before the next starts, and therefore, the schedule must account for this sequential progression.

Agile Methodology and Scheduling

The Agile methodology, unlike the Waterfall approach, believes in flexibility and effective responses to changes. This methodology is continuous and iterative, focusing on incremental improvement in product quality, functionality and alignment to customer needs.

The schedule developed for Agile projects should be flexible, with priorities focused on the value-added elements. It predominantly follows a bottom-up approach and carries less weight on exact dates unlike the strict, sequential approach in waterfall methodology. The schedule comprises of short, repetitive work periods, known as Sprints or Iterations.

For instance, an e-commerce site project might initially prioritize developing a functioning shopping cart system over perfecting the site’s design aesthetics. The schedule for such a project would focus on achieving the ‘shopping cart’ functionality in the first Sprint, leaving room to adapt and modify future Sprints as the project evolves.

Hybrid Methodology and Scheduling

As the term suggests, Hybrid methodology incorporates elements of both Waterfall and Agile methodologies. This methodology ascertains that the project benefits from the structure of Waterfall methodology, and adaptability of Agile methodology.

Scheduling in a Hybrid environment includes an initial long-term plan from the Waterfall approach and several short cycles adapted from Agile. The initial schedule includes all the phases, while the subsequent schedule adapts to the project’s needs in a Sprint or Iteration.

For example, a project to create a new corporate website might initially follow a plan outlining the entire project’s flow (Waterfall method). Still, the task of creating individual site sections could take an Agile approach, offering adaptability based on feedback easier.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scheduling must not be generic but rather shaped by project needs and the methodology applied. Project managers have to understand the project’s nature, its requirements, potential changes, team structure, and client expectations when choosing a methodology and its corresponding schedule. Taking a mechanistic approach might jeopardize project success. Hence adapting a tailored schedule as per methodology contributes significantly to a project’s triumph.