Schedule Updating and Project Control - Construction Project Scheduling and Control - page 177

in the A column. The same is done for the end date columns. The project
manager may or may not use the Original Duration, Remaining Duration,
and Percent Complete columns. Some project managers prefer to give an
expected finish date rather than the remaining duration or percent com-
plete. The scheduler has to check if these numbers are accurate.
2. The scheduler enters the information into the computer scheduling program
and updates the schedule.
3. The scheduler discusses the new situation with the project manager and makes
sure that no more changes or adjustments are needed (in other words, the
scheduler obtains the project manager's approval for producing the reports).
4. The scheduler prints new reports that show the updated schedule and
distributes them, directly or through the project manager, to all involved
parties—different reports to different parties. The scheduler may also give
the project manager a short, descriptive analysis report. For example, if the
expected finish date of the project was pushed back a few days, the scheduler
may give the reason (e.g., a predecessor activity was supposed to finish by a
certain date but did not). The scheduler tracks the delay from the end and
works back to the activity or activities that caused the delay.
5. After producing the reports, the scheduler may receive feedback from different
parties, some of which may have an impact on the schedule. The scheduler
must filter any such feedback through the project manager. Only one point of
contact (usually the project manager) should have the authority to approve any
information before it is implemented in the schedule. Some schedule feedback
received after the reports are printed may be kept until the next update.
When the next updating cycle is due, the same steps are repeated. These
steps are summarized in Figure 7.13.
Tip Box 7.6
The scheduler should not assume any responsibility for the data used in the update
process.
It is possible to include a cost estimate update in the process. In this case, the
checklist will include two choices for each project: cost estimate change or no cost
estimate change. Similar to the process explained earlier, if there is a cost estimate
change for a certain project, the project manager must attach a cost estimate change
form for the project that clearly shows the changes.
Keep Duration or End Date?
In some instances, the project manager indicates, on the update report, a delay in the
start of an activity. The project manager may fail to inform the scheduler of what hap-
pens to the end of the activity. For example, the “Design Development 90%” activity's