Understand float in project management with a cup of coffee
Manikandan Senthilvel
Project Contract / Turnaround Planning Engineer with 16 years gulf experience in refinery, petrochemical and power plant.
In #project management, #float refers to a little extra #time available to complete the task without delaying the #project. Let’s dive into the concept of #float in a project #schedule using a simple example of making a cup of coffee.
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Imagine the task of preparing a cup of coffee, deconstructed into a series of discrete steps: switching on the kettle, boiling water, adding coffee and sugar – each contributing to the final result. The most time-intensive activity is boiling the water. As you wait for the water to reach the optimal temperature, an opportunity presents itself. You can efficiently utilize this interim period to undertake another task, such as organizing your cup or grabbing a quick snack. Even if it takes slightly longer, the rhythm of your coffee-making process remains unaffected. That extra #time you have is similar to the concept of #float in a project – it gives you a cushion to manage #delays without messing up the entire plan. In project management, #float is crucial for handling unexpected situations, like delays or changes in tasks / circumstances. This buffer-like provision affords you the capacity to manage unforeseen #delays without jeopardizing the entire plan. Just like in making coffee, having a little extra time can make a big difference in getting things done smoothly.
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In the realm of project management, #float emerges as an invaluable asset for navigating unanticipated scenarios – whether they entail delays or evolving circumstances. It effectively serves as a safety net, allowing you to adeptly handle such challenges without cascading setbacks across the project timeline.
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