A standard project schedule based on the CPM method (critical path method) is considered a static network of logically linked tasks that create a timeline estimate of when a project will be complete. As with any type of estimate, the ability of the team to accurately estimate both the sequence of planned activities and the time required for each tasks contains numerous uncertainties similar to
About Roshan Vani
EXCEL TIPS: How To Use A Pivot Table To Analyze Variances
Pivot tables allow us to manipulate and display complex data sets into user friendly formats. This can be extraordinarily helpful when trying to extract data from massive database extracts or when reformatting internal data for distribution to other users. However this is the greatest use I have found for pivot tables when trying to align various complex systems. For the purpose of this exercise,
[INFOGRAPHIC] KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)
![[INFOGRAPHIC] KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)](https://cdn.planacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/icon_presentation-69367_120x120.png){kind=icon}
How are you using KPIs to analyze the success of your project?
5 Step Process To Running A Schedule Risk Analysis
In my previous tutorial, “5 benefits to performing a quantitative schedule risk analysis,” I talked about how a quantitative schedule risk analysis can add value to all aspects of your project schedule. In this tutorial I would like to further expand on the benefits of using Pertmaster (or Primavera risk) to develop the model and run a basic schedule risk analysis. There is other software out on
5 Traits Of Successful Project Controls Professionals
Unlike engineers who typically study engineering or banking professionals who study finance, project control professionals are a group of individuals who come from a diverse background. In my career I have worked with engineering, business, finance, economics and political science college graduates. I have also worked with individuals who had no college degree having worked their way up through
Understanding Commitments, Expenditures & Payments
Before I get into the context of commitments, expenditures and payments, I want to address cash flow. Often times the commitments expenditure and payment plans and curves are referred to as a cash flow. This is not a cash flow. A typical cash flow is made up of: Cash out: This includes items such as bid costs, engineering & design costs, material purchase orders, labor, overhead, and
Cost 101: What is Cost Management?
Cost management is a very detailed process and includes many aspects that exist as their own detailed topic. This post attempts to evaluate the cost management process at the highest level. Consider it an introduction to cost for those with little to no exposure. An integrated cost management structure is implemented on a project in order to facilitate and control the decisions a project team
Understanding Performance Factor (PF) – Part II: Measuring Against the Plan & Dealing with Change
Be sure to read Understanding Performance Factor Part I first which defines the earned value plan that is used to measure performance against. Measuring against the plan: So you have been told it should only take you 120 seconds to brush your teeth each morning. Now it is time to see how you perform. A stop watch is used to time how long it takes you to complete these sub-tasks, and ultimately
Understanding Performance Factor (PF) – Part I: Establishing the Plan
The Performance Factor (PF) is a numerical ratio used to measure the actual performance of an individual or team while completing a task. There are various forms of PF associated with cost, schedule and quantities. In this particular write-up and example, we will use hours in association with completing a task. The equation for calculating this PF is: PF = Earned Hours / Actual Hours To help
Understanding Contingency
Many are familiar with the concept of project contingency, but may not know how the value is initially calculated, when it is drawn from, and how to effectively generate an appropriate draw down curve. First let’s review the general concept of project contingency and its purpose. When estimating the cost of a project, there exists a level of uncertainty ranging from cost of equipment, execution
5 – Page Setup Options in Primavera P6 Activity Layouts
This is the final tutorial in our Master Class on Primavera P6 Activity Layouts. Our goal was to help learners become proficient with Primavera Layouts in order to convey the Project Plan to your team. In this tutorial we will demonstrate how to adjust and customize your page setup window. This functionally is important to highlight key project data which may include data date, layout title,
4 – Columns & Gantt Chart Bars in Primavera P6 Activity Layouts
In this tutorial we are going to go over how to adjust the Activity Table columns & customize the Gantt Chart Bars in a Primavera P6 Activity Layout. This functionally is important to display relevant project information to all vested stakeholders. Activity Columns: The activity columns are shown in the “Activity Table” view (for more details about the activity table see Part 3 of this
3 – Changing the User Interface Windows in Primavera P6 Activity Layouts
In Parts 1 & 2 of this Master Class, we went over creating a new Primavera P6 Activity Layouts, assigning filters, grouping, sorting and adjusting the layout timescale. In this tutorial, we will go over the different user interface windows that are available to the user. The Top section allows users to view: Activity Table Gantt Chart Activity Usage Spreadsheet Activity
2 – Group, Sort and Timescale Basics in Primavera P6 Activity Layouts
In Part I of this tutorial we walked through how to create a new Activity Layout and write filters to get your desired data set. Part II focuses on arranging the data set within the Gantt chart. We will also explore grouping, sorting and adjusting the timescale and the views available to the user. Grouping To open the Group & Sort dialog box click the ‘Group & Sort’ button in the
1 – Creating a New Activity Layout & Filtering Data in Primavera P6
Primavera layouts can be tailored to any number different views, ranges or color combinations to help the user present to the project team. The goal of a good layout is to convey the project plan to the key stakeholders giving them all the pertinent information. When creating a schedule layout it is important to identify who your target customer will be. If the layout will be issued to a
Understanding the P6 Progress Line Tool
If you have had a chance to use Primavera P6 v8 or later you may have noticed a “progress line” tool. I was recently asked by a colleague if I had used the the tool and at the time I was unaware the tool even existed. After a bit of reading and trial and error I am really happy with the functionality and the visual representation of progress against the baseline line. The purpose of this
How To Write Better P6 Activity Names – These 5 Easy Ways
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Every planner knows that WBS and Code Structure are essential elements needed to successfully maintain a Primavera P6 schedule network. But what about your Primavera P6 Activity Names? A sometimes overlooked schedule quality issue is the use of well articulated activity descriptions. Planners who began their career in P3 or earlier versions were limited to 48 characters in the activity
