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Schedule compression is a project management technique used to shorten the project schedule without changing the project scope. It helps teams meet tight deadlines or accelerate project delivery. Understanding the methods and calculations involved is essential for effective implementation.
Techniques for Schedule Compression
Two primary techniques are used for schedule compression: crashing and fast-tracking. Crashing involves adding resources to critical path activities to reduce their duration. Fast-tracking overlaps activities that were initially scheduled sequentially, allowing work to proceed concurrently.
Crashing Method
Crashing requires identifying activities on the critical path and analyzing the cost and time trade-offs. The goal is to find the most cost-effective way to shorten the schedule by adding resources or increasing effort. The process involves calculating the crash cost per time unit saved for each activity.
Fast-Tracking Method
Fast-tracking involves overlapping activities that were originally planned to be sequential. This approach can introduce risks such as rework or conflicts but can significantly reduce the project timeline. Proper risk management is essential when applying this technique.
Schedule Compression Calculations
Calculations for schedule compression focus on determining the potential reduction in project duration and associated costs. For crashing, the crash cost per day is calculated by dividing the additional cost by the number of days saved. For fast-tracking, the focus is on identifying overlapping activities and assessing risk impacts.