Scheduling Practices and Project Success

odern project scheduling techniques have been around for almost 50 years. The original development work on the critical path method (CPM) and the performance evaluation and review technique (PERT) began in the mid 1950s [6]&[7]. Although the basic principles behind CPM and PERT have not changed, significant advances in project scheduling have taken place in the years since these techniques were first introduced. Today, there is a comprehensive body of knowledge regarding project scheduling theory and techniques. The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) and other organizations frequently publish articles describing new scheduling techniques, tools, algorithms, and applications [1]&[8]. Developmental research is ongoing, however empirical research demonstrating the value of good scheduling practices is minimal. Industry has spent a great deal of time and money on training, software, and professional services related to project scheduling tools and techniques. In addition, many companies and consultants offer project scheduling related services, and project teams pay a lot for these services. So, after almost 50 years of development, untold investments in research, tools development, and training and continued spending on planning and scheduling services, it is important to question whether or not the investment has paid off. The objective of this study is to empirically measure the effect that project scheduling practices have on process plant project success. This study looks at actual process industry project schedules and characterizes what scheduling practices and techniques were used early in the project at the point of full funds authorization. The study correlates these practices with actual project outcomes to measure their effect on project success or failure. The study identifies the practices that drive practice success: the drivers of success are not in the relative advantage of one scheduling algorithm versus another, but in how your project scheduling process uses the tools and resources available to the project's best advantage.