Controlling the Critical Path

The ‘Critical Path’ is a sequence of connected tasks without any slack time (or ‘float’) between them. These tasks form the longest consecutive sequence of tasks in the project and thus determine the finish date of the project. Due to the lack of any slack time between tasks in the critical path, any deviation in one task causes a deviation…

Continue ReadingControlling the Critical Path

Controlling Changes in the Project

Changes in the project are inevitable. Nonetheless, all changes can and should be managed in a methodical and meticulous manner. Otherwise, these changes alone can determine the project’s fate (not always in a positive way). The longer the project is, the higher the chance of changes occurring – either from within the project or due to changes outside the project.…

Continue ReadingControlling Changes in the Project

Special Tasks Control

Not all tasks in the project are equal in the managerial attention that should be given to them. It is very important to visit from time to time special tasks, which differ from others in their priority, cost or progress in the project: Control Tasks by Priority A project consists of many interdependent tasks that have different priorities. These priorities…

Continue ReadingSpecial Tasks Control

Give & Get Control

The weak points in every system and organization are the points at which various units meet. In order to create a system or organization that works together as an efficient whole, these points must be integrated in a way that allows smooth transition between these units. In any given project, these seam points are the transition points where project work…

Continue ReadingGive & Get Control

Milestone Control

Milestones are indicator points that receive special attention and form the basis of central control and communication activities. Quite often, a milestone is a point indicating the completion of a specific work package or stage in the project. At other times, a milestone indicates the completion of necessary tasks external to the project. As such, a milestone does not document…

Continue ReadingMilestone Control

Budget Control

This type of control tracks the project budget, comparing the original budget to the amount of money actually spent up to that point, in order to guarantee that a sufficient amount is reserved for the project to be completed. If it becomes obvious that the project cannot be completed on budget, this control is also responsible for identifying the origin…

Continue ReadingBudget Control