Useful techniques to fine-tune your project schedule

By ExecutiveBrief Staff

Fast-Track
Another way to shorten your schedule is through fast-tracking. Fast-tracking is the process of rescheduling tasks to be performed in parallel that were originally planned in series. Like crashing, fast-track works on tasks in the critical path. If you reschedule two tasks originally in series to be done in parallel, you are in effect cutting the time to do the task to half. And like crashing, fast-track may bring complications to the feasibility of the project schedule.  For one, do not fast-track tasks that are strictly interdependent on one another, such as applying a second coat of paint. In doing a paint job, you can’t schedule second coating and first coating in parallel--it’s just not possible. Fortunately, there are tasks that can be made parallel such as building the wall and laying down floor tiles; while these tasks may cause complications, these are achievable when done right.

In fine-tuning your project schedule, you can be creative, but be certain that you have calculated the risks in doing so.

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