Work scheduling serves the following purpose:
a. It simplifies the project plan
The bar-chart
type work schedule provides a simplified version of the work plan, which can
easily be understood by all concerned with planning, coordination, execution
and control of the project.
b. It validates the time objectives
A work
schedule shows the planned sequence of activities, date-wise. While putting the
work planned sequence of activities, date-wise, While putting the work plan on
a calendar basis, it takes into account reduced efficiency of resources to
adverse climatic conditions and other factors. It verifies the deadlines
imposed for completion of the project and achievement of the milestones.
c. It optimizes the resources employed
A work
schedule is based on the most economical employment of the resources of men,
materials and machinery. It smoothens abrupt changes which may occur from time
to time.
Resource
optimization is achieved by a systematic utilization of the floats of
non-critical activities. Unless otherwise constrained, a project is scheduled
using either the optimum or the available pattern of resources.
d. It forecasts the input resources and
predicts the output
A work
schedule enables the forecasting of resources and also indicates the pattern of
resource consumption. The time schedule of work forms the basis for predicting
the resource requirement as well as the financial state of the project in terms
of investment, expenditure, output and income.
e. It evaluates the implications of
scheduling constraints
A work
schedule brings out the implications of constraints and enables preparation of
a plan of work within the framework of these constraints.
