Gestión de tiempo

How are constraints handled in project management?

Project management constantly faces the so-called triple constraint, which encompasses scope, time and cost management. Although each project is unique in complexity or impact, these three areas are essential to the success of any initiative. It is crucial to master strategies for each of them, especially when it comes to time management. This area answers key project questions and relies on a systematic process to ensure effective control.

What are the steps to create a schedule?

Establishing a schedule is a meticulous task that requires a series of well-defined steps. These steps not only ensure that your project flows without interruption, but also provide for the necessary adaptations in the face of possible deviations.

1. Define the activities: You must identify what tasks are required to deliver the expected results.
2. Sequence activities: Some activities depend on the completion of others. For example, you cannot perform quality control tests without first configuring and migrating content to the new platform.
3. Estimate resources: Once sequenced, you must identify who will execute the activities.
4. Estimate the duration: With the assigned resources, determine how long each activity will take.
5. Develop the timeline: Use visual tools to create and communicate the schedule with your team and stakeholders.

How to make accurate estimates?

Estimating times for unpublished activities can be tricky. But, by assembling teams with knowledgeable and experienced leaders, estimates are closer to reality.

• Detailed information: The manager must provide clear data for the team to develop their estimates.
• Freedom in estimates: Each person in charge should be able to provide his or her own estimate.
• Expert support: Consult specialists who can guide the team in estimating.

A popular technique is the triangular distribution, where optimistic, pessimistic and average estimates are taken into account to obtain a more accurate duration.

What are the key concepts in time management?

Efficient time management in projects encompasses several important concepts that every manager should know and apply:

What is the critical path?

The critical path identifies the series of activities that determine the total project duration. Monitoring them avoids disruptions to the completion date.

What is slack?

Slack provides additional margin that can be used if there are delays. It is a time cushion that is convenient for handling unforeseen events.

How is a schedule compressed?

Schedule compression can be done in two ways:

• Fast execution: Parallelizing tasks to shorten the duration.
• Adding resources: Adding more staff to accelerate activities, although it may increase cost and risk.

Choosing the right compression method depends on factors such as time constraints or critical dates.

How to represent and control a schedule effectively?

Presenting a schedule clearly and concisely is essential for efficient tracking and control during the project life cycle.

What tools to use to visualize a schedule?

• Network diagram: Show important events as nodes and activities as edges.
• Milestone diagram: Useful for executives looking for key events without exhaustive details.
• Bar or Gantt chart: Visualizes duration, dependencies and start-finish of activities.

How is the schedule controlled?

• Constant comparison: Regularly review projections against work performed.
• Lessons learned: Learning sessions for future implementations.
• Change management: Prioritize requirements and handle change requests as needed.

Project time management is not just a planning issue; it is a vital skill that can define the success of a project. By advancing in the mastery of these areas, you will improve not only your management skills but also the results of your project, so be encouraged to delve deeper into this fascinating universe!