Planning defines what needs to be done; scheduling determines when and by whom it should be done.
1. Planning
Planning involves:
- Defining objectives and deliverables
- Breaking down the scope using WBS
- Identifying activities and dependencies
- Setting milestones and performance benchmarks
2. Scheduling
Scheduling transforms the plan into a time-based roadmap for execution.
It assigns:
- Start and finish dates
- Sequence and duration of activities
- Resource requirements
3. Importance in Construction
- Establishes accountability and the sequence of operations.
- Helps detect critical delays early.
- Enables coordination among multiple contractors and vendors.
- Forms the basis for cost forecasting and cash flow planning.
“A project without a schedule is like a building without a foundation.”
4. Types of Schedules
