How can you create a CPM schedule for a construction project?

It's important to separate "planning" and "scheduling". In construction, planning should begin in the precon phase. You need to know how you are going to build a project before you begin scheduling. Sometimes this is straightforward, sometimes it's not. Other times it's not as straightforward as it seems. A change in the methodology or approach to completing the project can completely change the work breakdown structure, making every element of the schedule that follows incorrect. Make the plan, agree on the approach, and make sure that is communicated to the field. You can learn more about this topic on LinkedIn Learning at https://www.dhirubhai.net/learning/construction-management-planning-and-scheduling/planning-versus-scheduling

It is crucial to define the project scope at the briefing stage itself while collaborating with the major stakeholders and reviewing their needs and budget constraints concerning time.

Creating a Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule for a construction project begins with listing all project activities. Each task, from site preparation to final inspection, should be identified and sequenced. This forms the foundation for a comprehensive schedule that outlines the order and duration of activities, allowing for efficient project management and timeline control.

I use past project data and advice from experts to make good guesses. It's crucial to factor in resource availability, task complexity, and potential external disruptions. Giving a time range for each task helps us stay on track, even when surprises pop up.

Let's be clear here...you need to use scheduling software to do all of this for a construction schedule. Even the simplest construction projects have way too many activities to do this effectively by hand. Creating a network diagram by hand is completely inefficient and unlikely to be done without errors. Plus, even a minor update in any activity would result in hours of recalculations that can be done instantly in software like Microsoft Project or Premivera P6. Do all the steps above (WBS, durations, dependencies) in the software and let it calculate the schedule, the critical path, parallel activities, and activities with float. Changes, updates, and would-if scenereos then become simple and instant.

It's about comparing real progress with the plan and spotting any differences. If things change or risks pop up, the schedule needs tweaking. Tools like earned value analysis help me stay on top of this, ensuring the project stays on track.

Flexibility within the CPM schedule is crucial. For instance, during a complex build, unexpected weather conditions caused significant delays. By having built-in buffer times and adaptable resource allocations, we navigated these challenges without derailing the overall timeline.