4.1.1.1P Manage the Schedule / Small Project

(4.1.1.1P.P1)

Small projects usually do not have a lot of activities in the schedule. It is likely that you are not using a scheduling tool. You are more likely using a spreadsheet or a task list. So there is not a need for a lot of rigor and structure in this step. However, that you should utilize discipline to make sure that your schedule is kept up-to-date and that you recognize and respond if you are trending over your estimated deadline.   

 

Role

Manage the Schedule (Small Project)

1

Project Manager

Update the schedule on a weekly basis

Identify activities that have been completed during the previous week and update the schedule to show they are finished

2

Project Manager, Team Members

Determine schedule status

Determine whether there are any other activities that should be completed, but are not. If an activity is behind schedule, work with the individuals that are assigned to see what is going on.

3

Project Manager

Validate work in-progress and assign new work

Validate the status of work that is in-progress for each team member and assign new work to each team member as specified in the schedule. Gain a commitment from each team member to complete the work within the allocated time, duration and budget. This may require each team member to spend some time on the assignment before they can validate whether the estimates are correct. (See 4.1.1.3.4P Validate Work Estimates with Team.)

4

Project Manager

Determine if you will finish the work within expectations

Evaluate the remaining work to see if the project will be completed within the original effort and duration. You may find that even though some activities may be completing later than planned, other activities may be completing early.

5

Project Manager

Validate the remaining work

Adjust the schedule so that it reflects the remaining work to be completed.

6

Project Manager, Sponsor

Take corrective actions, if needed

Since this is the process for a small project, it would be unusual to have major problems on schedule. If the schedule is important, you are obligated to try to achieve it. You can use some of the schedule control techniques described for larger projects. It is possible that you may have to ask to extend the deadline. If the deadline needs to be extended once, the team absolutely needs to meet the new expectations.