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schedule compression is to reduce the schedule without modifying project scope. Following2 techniques are widely used for schedule compression:1) Crashing2) Fast tracking
Crashing :This technique may affect project cost. Trade-off between cost and schedule is analyzed and it is used to get maximum schedule compression for a minimal cost increase.
Following may be few actions by Project managers for crashing:
* Getting resources from other projects as loan
* Paying extra for fast shipment purchased materials
* Asking team members to work for extra hours against compensatory off or overtime
Crashing -
* does not always be an affordable choice; and
* may result in increased risk and/or cost.
Fast tracking :By simple definition, fast tracking is getting schedule compression by executing phases or activities in parallel that were originally scheduled in sequence. Fast tracking can be achieved by overlapping of phases or activities by starting subsequent activity or phase without finishing earlier one. But overlapping phases or activities may increase risk and gives rise to more reworks.
Following may be few actions by Project managers for fast tracking:
* identify phases that can overlap and start execute next phase before finish of earlier one
* identify activities that uses different set of resources and execute them parallel
* find activities that give low risk or low cost for time when executed prior to the completion of earlier phase
Fast tracking may result in -
* Rework – extra cost/time to fix
* Increased risk
As far as these compression techniques are concerned, managers can take risks if the risks are in balance with the benefits that may be gained by taking the risks.
For a successful project the most essential thing is its completion on or before the scheduled time line. In time completion means saving of time,resources,making the project cost effective. Normally while planning for aproject all operations are in a sequence. Review plans are necessary to monitor the completion time track. Most important technique employed is FAST TRACKING. Various operations are overlapped so that these are started concurrently. At times we may use CRASHING option also but this usually is not adviseable due to high risk factor as well as unaffordable.
There are two schedule compression techniques.
1) Crashing: Putting additional resources on the critical path activities.
Disadvantages: Increased management effotrs, Increased Cost,
2) Fast Tracking: Removing lag time between activities and overlap them upto certain extent.
Disadvantages: Increased management effotrs, Increased Cost, Increased Risks
