In this course, students will explore the critical aspects of project schedule management, learning how to accurately estimate effort, schedule, and costs. The course also delves into the importance of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and their practical applications, providing learners with the tools to plan, track, and manage project schedules effectively.

Section 1: Introduction

This section provides a comprehensive introduction to the course, where students will get an overview of project schedule management. The importance of managing schedules effectively for the success of projects will be introduced, along with an outline of the concepts covered in the course.

Section 2: Need for Project Schedule Management

In this section, students will learn why project schedule management is essential for the smooth execution of any project. Lectures will focus on the fundamental steps involved in determining a project schedule, including how schedule management can impact overall project performance and success.

Section 3: Effort / Schedule / Cost Estimation

This section covers the core principles of estimating effort, time, and costs associated with project schedules. Students will gain insights into various estimation techniques, with a focus on how to calculate and balance the effort required, the time needed for project tasks, and the costs that will be incurred throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, this section will explore resource allocation and the impact of these estimations on project planning.

Section 4: Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The WBS is a key tool for project managers in organizing tasks and managing projects. This section will guide students through the concepts of Work Breakdown Structure, including the creation and application of WBS to organize a project into manageable sections. Lectures will cover types of WBS, characteristics, and their benefits, providing practical examples, including a banquet project scenario, to illustrate its application. Students will also learn about process-centered WBS and understand how to create and use WBS effectively in real-world projects.

Conclusion

By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of how to manage and estimate project schedules. They will be equipped with the tools to create effective Work Breakdown Structures, ensuring their projects are well-planned, organized, and executed on time and within budget. This course will provide the foundational knowledge needed to manage complex projects and lead teams to success in a variety of industries.

Who this course is for:

• Project Managers: Professionals looking to enhance their skills in project scheduling, estimation, and planning.
• Aspiring Project Managers: Individuals looking to break into the field of project management and develop a solid understanding of schedule management.
• Team Leads and Supervisors: Those responsible for managing teams and timelines in projects who want to learn best practices for creating and managing project schedules.
• Business Analysts: Professionals who work with project teams and stakeholders to understand project scope, schedule, and resource requirements.
• Operations Managers: Individuals involved in operational planning and resource allocation who wish to align their work with project timelines and deadlines.