Heinz
Time Management consists of the following processes. See also Knowledge Areas - Time.
Process | Project Phase |
---|---|
  Plan Schedule Management   |     Planning |
  Define activities   |     Planning |
  Sequence activities   |     Planning |
  Estimate resources   |     Planning   |
  Estimate duration of activities   |     Planning   |
  Develop schedule   |     Planning   |
  Control schedule   |     Monitoring & Controlling   |
This knowledge area is concerned with estimating the duration of the project plan activities, devising a project schedule, and monitoring and controlling deviations from the schedule.
"Hours are like diamonds, don't let them waste... Time waits for no one, no favours has he... Time waits for no one, and he won't wait for me"   Jagger/Richards
Activity definition consists of decomposing or breaking down the work to reach a level that can be easily estimated and managed.
Network diagrams are used to display activities and their dependencies. There are two type of network diagrams:
Dependencies may exist for activities which will impact when they can be scheduled. Types of dependencies between activities can be Mandatory, External, or Discretionary.
Leads & Lags are also important concepts to understand for scheduling activities to account for dependencies.
This process involves estimating internal / external human resources (including vendors), as well as equipment and materials. It takes into account the skill sets and number of resources required for the work effort.
PERT is a network model that allows for randomness in activity completion. From PMBOK, PERT uses a weighted average duration estimate to calculate activity durations. PERT Formulas
Critical Path - longest duration path through a network diagram. The Critical Path is the shortest possible time it will take to complete the project.
CPM (Critical Path Method) - From PMBOK, CPM "calculates a single, deterministic early start and finish date for each activity based on specified sequential network logic and a single duration estimate."
Float - amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying the project. Also known as slack. Note that tasks on the critical path have zero float.
      Float = LF - EF = LS - ES
where
      LF = Late Finish
      EF = Early Finish
      LS = Late Start
      ES = Early Start
Below are some techniques to overcome the madness and regain control of your project:
"Let's Do the Time Warp Again!"   Rocky Horror Picture Show
This process involves monitoring project status and controlling changes to the project schedule. Progress reporting is used to communicate the overall project schedule to stakeholders.
For those who cannot remember how to do the Time Warp dance, instructions are provided. Although this won't be on the PMP exam, this may come in handy for an upcoming showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Or maybe you could just use a break from all the studying!
   Visit the Time Management Bookshelf to search for books available for purchase.
   Time Management on Wikipedia
   PERT on Wikipedia
   Network Diagrams on Wikipedia
   Time Management Sample Questions