Time Estimating And Scheduling Techniques Introduction Course

Today’s knowledge-worker is required to manage their efforts as well as those of others. Consequently, they must learn to effectively estimate time and effort requirements for other team members, outside resources, as well as for their own projects and tasks. Knowledge-workers need an estimating and scheduling methodology that provides quick, accurate estimates that lead to and support “what if” scheduling analysis.

Introduction to Estimating and Scheduling Techniques provides the knowledge-worker with basic estimating rules and guides them through application in realistic situations. Participants learn to use an estimating tool that helps to streamline the process and serves to maintain documentation of all estimating assumptions and trade-offs.

Introduction to Estimating and Scheduling Techniques provides the knowledge-worker with basic scheduling rules and guides them through application in realistic situations. Participants learn two scheduling methods, one for small projects and tasks, and one for large projects and tasks.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:
>Identify critical parameters to be estimated
>Using micro-estimating techniques, estimate activity/task cost, schedule, and quality
>Using a macro-estimating technique, estimate global (or project) cost, schedule, and quality
>Validate estimates using the “complements” technique
>Develop a schedule
>Depict your project schedule in graphic form

Estimating and scheduling require a set of tools. Tools can embody estimating and scheduling rules and serve to guide in their application. Introduction to Estimating and Scheduling Techniques provides the knowledge-worker with the following tools: 
>Estimating/Scheduling Worksheet
>Resource-Constrained Schedule
>Activity-Constrained Schedule
>Time-Constrained Schedule
>PERT/CPM

Introduction
Course Objectives
Course Agenda
The Need for Estimating and Scheduling

Project Estimating
Reasons for Poor Estimates
Base Estimating Problem
Estimating Model Requirements
Some Estimating Models
Estimating Model Definition
Base Estimates for Control
Pre-Estimating Steps
Estimating Steps
Estimating/Scheduling Worksheet
Estimate Refinement
Calendar Duration Estimating
Estimate Loading
Project (Task) Related Factors
 Environmental Factors
Non-Project Time
 Estimate Control
Estimate Validation
Complementary Procedures
Multi-Person
Formulaic
 Estimating Guidelines Summary

Project Scheduling
Scheduling – Defined
Scheduling Trade-Off Problem
Scheduling Trade-Off Problem Constraints
Scheduling Techniques
Resource-Constrained Schedule
Activity-Constrained Schedule
Time-Constrained Schedule
Scheduling Refinement
Scheduling Procedure
Duration Estimation: Effort Loading
Network Scheduling Objectives
Network Scheduling Resource Allocation
PERT/CPM Definition
PERT/CPM Exercises
Precedence Diagrams – Key Concepts 

Course Summary
Estimating Concepts and Practices Review
Scheduling Concepts and Practices Review