How do you mitigate the risks associated with schedule compression techniques

Question

When projects fall behind, schedule compression techniques like crashing and fast-tracking seem like good options, but they come with risks. How can I mitigate those risks while still keeping the project on track?

Answer 1

Fast-tracking and crashing can help you advance a project, but they are not without hazards. Here's how you can mitigate them:

• Avoid Overloading Resources - Crashing requires additional resources while having too many workers on a task can limit efficiency. Determine whether adding more genuinely helps.

• Manage Task Overlaps Carefully - Fast-tracking (performing tasks in parallel) might result in rework if dependencies are not adequately managed. Ensure that cross-functional teams can communicate effectively.

• Account for Quality Risks - Speeding up work frequently results in quality difficulties. Implement additional reviews and testing to detect flaws early.

• Monitor the Cost Trade-Offs - Crashing drives up labor and equipment expenditures. Before making any commitments, recalculate the consequences of the budget.

• Identify Critical Bottlenecks - Compression is beneficial for some tasks but not all. Concentrate on those that have a significant impact on the project's timeframe.

Compression should be a last resort, not the norm. Balance speed and risk to guarantee long-term success.

Answer 2

Fast-tracking and crashing can help you advance a project, but they are not without hazards. Here's how you can mitigate them:

• Avoid Overloading Resources - Crashing requires additional resources while having too many workers on a task can limit efficiency. Determine whether adding more genuinely helps.

• Manage Task Overlaps Carefully - Fast-tracking (performing tasks in parallel) might result in rework if dependencies are not adequately managed. Ensure that cross-functional teams can communicate effectively.

• Account for Quality Risks - Speeding up work frequently results in quality difficulties. Implement additional reviews and testing to detect flaws early.

• Monitor the Cost Trade-Offs - Crashing drives up labor and equipment expenditures. Before making any commitments, recalculate the consequences of the budget.

• Identify Critical Bottlenecks - Compression is beneficial for some tasks but not all. Concentrate on those that have a significant impact on the project's timeframe.

Compression should be a last resort, not the norm. Balance speed and risk to guarantee long-term success.