Introduction
This section of the template highlights the purpose and importance of the schedule management plan. It provides a general description of what should be included in the schedule management plan. These items will be described in more detail later in the plan under each corresponding section.
Schedule Management Approach
This section of the project schedule management plan provides a general framework for the approach which will be taken to create the project schedule. This includes the scheduling tool/format, schedule milestones, and schedule development roles and responsibilities.
Schedule Control
This portion of the schedule management plan template defines how the project’s schedule will be controlled throughout the life of the project. This includes the frequency of updates and schedule reviews as well as communicating the schedule and progress. This section also defines roles and responsibilities as they relate specifically to project schedule control.
Schedule Changes and Thresholds
As the project schedule is created it is important that boundary conditions are set by the project sponsor to establish the schedule parameters within which the project is expected to operate. Any event which may potentially cause a schedule change which exceeds these boundary conditions must have a schedule change request submitted and approved by the sponsor before the schedule change is made.
Scope Change
Occasionally, approved changes to the project’s scope may result in the schedule needing to be re-baselined. These scope changes may include new deliverables or requirements that were not previously considered as part of the original schedule’s development. In these situations the project manager and team must consider the current status of the project schedule and how the scope change will affect the schedule and its resources as the project moves forward.