Project Management

Certified Planning and Scheduling Professional

This course equips professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to become Certified Planning and Scheduling Professionals. Participants will learn to develop, manage, and optimise project schedules, ensuring effective resource allocation and timely project delivery in various industries.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Planning and scheduling are critical to project success, yet many professionals struggle with developing realistic timelines and managing resources effectively. This course addresses these challenges by providing practical tools and methodologies to create and maintain efficient schedules. Participants will learn to identify potential bottlenecks, allocate resources effectively, and mitigate risks, ensuring projects remain on track and within budget. Mastering these skills is essential for enhancing project performance, improving stakeholder communication, and achieving organisational goals, making this training invaluable for professionals aiming to excel in their roles.

The course offers hands-on experience with industry-standard planning tools and techniques. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios that simulate project scheduling challenges, allowing them to practice decision-making and problem-solving skills. By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped to produce actionable schedules that enhance project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. They will also develop the capability to communicate complex scheduling information clearly to stakeholders, ensuring alignment and support for project objectives. This comprehensive approach prepares participants for the demands of modern project environments and equips them with the confidence to tackle scheduling complexities.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and practical exercises to reinforce learning. Participants will engage in simulations that mimic real-world scheduling challenges, enabling them to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. Each session culminates in a group activity where participants collaboratively develop project schedules, producing tangible outputs such as Gantt charts and resource allocation plans. This hands-on approach ensures that participants can effectively translate their learning into their professional roles, enhancing their ability to manage projects efficiently and meet deadlines consistently. The integration of feedback sessions allows for continuous improvement and deeper understanding of scheduling complexities.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse project requirements to develop a comprehensive project schedule.
Construct Gantt charts and network diagrams to visualise project timelines and dependencies.
Prioritise tasks based on dependencies and resource availability to optimise project flow.
Assess risks and develop mitigation strategies for scheduling conflicts and delays.
Justify scheduling decisions to stakeholders based on project objectives and constraints.
Evaluate the effectiveness of scheduling tools in managing project timelines and deliverables.
Develop resource allocation plans that align with project schedules and stakeholder expectations.
Communicate project schedules effectively to diverse stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Project Managers responsible for scheduling and resource allocation.
Planners who need to optimise project timelines and deliverables.
Schedulers involved in tracking project progress and performance.
Operations Managers overseeing project execution and efficiency.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Developing detailed project schedules using industry-standard tools.
Managing resources effectively to meet project deadlines.
Identifying and mitigating scheduling risks in projects.
Communicating scheduling plans and changes to stakeholders.
Analysing project performance against established schedules.
Utilising software tools for effective planning and scheduling.
Creating visual representations of project timelines and dependencies.
Facilitating team collaboration in project scheduling.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Fundamentals of Project Planning

Applied activity: In a group, define the scope and objectives for a fictional project, identifying key deliverables and stakeholders. Use this information to outline initial scheduling requirements, including timelines and resource needs, ensuring all aspects are considered for effective planning.

Output: A project scope document outlining objectives, key deliverables, and initial scheduling requirements.

09:00–09:54Introduction to project planning and scheduling concepts and their importance in project management.
09:54–10:48Understanding project life cycles and phases, including initiation, planning, execution, and closure.
10:48–11:00Defining project scope and objectives for effective scheduling, including stakeholder identification.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Defining project scope and objectives for effective scheduling, including stakeholder identification. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identifying key stakeholders and their roles in scheduling, ensuring alignment with project goals.
13:06–14:00Overview of planning methodologies and frameworks, such as Agile and Waterfall, and their impact on scheduling.

Day 2Developing Effective Schedules

Applied activity: Create a Gantt chart and network diagram for the defined project, identifying task durations, dependencies, and milestones. Present your schedule to the group for feedback and refinement, ensuring clarity and accuracy while addressing potential scheduling conflicts.

Output: A Gantt chart and network diagram illustrating the project schedule, including task durations and dependencies.

09:00–09:54Techniques for creating Gantt charts and network diagrams to visualise project timelines and task dependencies.
09:54–10:48Understanding task dependencies and their impact on scheduling, including finish-to-start and start-to-start relationships.
10:48–11:00Methods for estimating task durations and resource requirements, incorporating historical data and expert judgement.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Methods for estimating task durations and resource requirements, incorporating historical data and expert judgement. (continued)
12:12–13:06Utilising critical path method (CPM) for schedule optimisation, identifying the longest path through the project.
13:06–14:00Incorporating milestones and deadlines into project schedules to track progress and ensure timely delivery.

Day 3Resource Allocation and Management

Applied activity: Using the developed schedule, allocate resources to tasks while considering availability and constraints. Adjust the schedule as necessary to resolve conflicts and ensure optimal resource utilisation, documenting changes made and the rationale behind them.

Output: A resource allocation plan detailing assigned resources, adjustments made, and rationale for decisions.

09:00–09:54Identifying resource types and their roles in project scheduling, including human, financial, and material resources.
09:54–10:48Techniques for effective resource allocation and optimisation, ensuring that resources are used efficiently throughout the project.
10:48–11:00Balancing resource availability with project timelines, considering constraints and competing demands.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Balancing resource availability with project timelines, considering constraints and competing demands. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding resource loading and levelling concepts to prevent overallocation and conflicts.
13:06–14:00Strategies for managing resource conflicts and constraints, including negotiation and prioritisation techniques.

Day 4Risk Management in Scheduling

Applied activity: Conduct a risk assessment for the project schedule, identifying potential risks and proposing mitigation strategies. Present your findings to the group, discussing the implications of identified risks and proposed actions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of risk management.

Output: A risk assessment report outlining identified risks, their potential impacts, and proposed mitigation strategies.

09:00–09:54Identifying potential scheduling risks and their impacts on project timelines and deliverables, including external and internal factors.
09:54–10:48Developing risk mitigation strategies for project schedules, ensuring proactive management of potential disruptions.
10:48–11:00Utilising risk assessment tools in scheduling processes, such as risk matrices and impact assessments.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Utilising risk assessment tools in scheduling processes, such as risk matrices and impact assessments. (continued)
12:12–13:06Monitoring and controlling schedule risks throughout the project lifecycle, adjusting plans as necessary.
13:06–14:00Communicating risks and mitigation plans to stakeholders effectively, ensuring transparency and support.

Day 5Integrated Scheduling Practice

Applied activity: Work in teams to manage a simulated project from initiation to completion, addressing scheduling challenges and resource conflicts as they arise. Collaborate to develop solutions and present the final project schedule and outcomes to the class, demonstrating effective scheduling practices.

Output: A complete project schedule and performance evaluation report, summarising the project management experience.

09:00–09:54Combining planning, scheduling, and resource management skills in a cohesive project management approach.
09:54–10:48Utilising software tools for comprehensive project scheduling, including hands-on practice with relevant applications.
10:48–11:00Simulating real-world scheduling scenarios and decision-making, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in a controlled environment.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Simulating real-world scheduling scenarios and decision-making, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in a controlled environment. (continued)
12:12–13:06Evaluating project performance against the established schedule, identifying variances and corrective actions.
13:06–14:00Preparing for certification as a Planning and Scheduling Professional, including review of key concepts and best practices.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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