Activity Duration Estimating: Outputs

.7 Project Management Software Project management scheduling software is widely used to assist with schedule development. Other software might be capable of interacting directly or indirectly with project management software to carry out the requirements of other Knowledge Areas, such as cost estimating by time period Section 7.1.2.5 and schedule simulation in quantitative risk analysis Section 11.4.2.2. These products automate the calculation of the mathematical forward pass and backward pass critical path analysis and resource leveling, and, thus, allow for rapid consideration of many schedule alternatives. They are also widely used to print or display the outputs of developed schedules. .8 Applying Calendars Project calendars Section 4.1.1.4 and resource calendars Section 6.3.3.4 identify periods when work is allowed. Project calendars affect all activities. For example, it may not be possible to work on the site during certain periods of the year because of weather. Resource calendars affect a specific resource or category of resources. Resource calendars reflect how some resources work only during normal business hours, while others work three full shifts, or a project team member might be unavailable, such as on vacation or in a training program, or a labor contract can limit certain workers to certain days of the week. .9 Adjusting Leads and Lags Since the improper use of leads or lags can distort the project schedule, the leads or lags are adjusted during schedule network analysis to develop a viable project schedule. .10 Schedule Model Schedule data and information are compiled into the schedule model for the project. The schedule model tool and the supporting schedule model data are used in conjunction with manual methods or project management software to perform schedule network analysis to generate the project schedule. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge PMBOK ® Guide Third Edition 148 2004 Project Management Institute, Four Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA

6.5.3 Schedule Development: Outputs