SCHEDULING PRINCPLES

There are a number of different forms of schedules that may be used, including
i. Written schedules
ii. Bar graphs schedules (Gantt charts)
iii. Network schedules.
BAR GRAPH METHOD OR GANTT CHART
The bar graph or bar chart schedule is a graphical schedule relating progress of items of work to
a time schedule.
The bar schedule traces its origin to a chart developed by Henry L. Gantt, a pioneer in the
application of scientific management methods to industrial production. These charts, referred to
as Gantt Charts, took several different forms, depending on their application. Because of their
origin, all forms of graph schedules are sometimes called Gantt Charts. In spite of the advent of
network planning methods, the bar graph schedule is still the most widely used schedule form
found in construction work.
A simple bar graph schedule is a graph where the major work items, or activities, making up the
project are listed on the left the schedule with a time scale across the top. The time scale can be
given in hours, days, weeks, months or years depending on project size and planner’s
preferences. It should be noted that two horizontal blocks are provided opposite each activity.
The upper block (SCH) represents scheduled progress and the lower block (ACT) is used to
record actual progress as work proceeds. For each block, a bar extends from starting to end
times. The number above each bar indicates the percentage of activity completion at each major
time division. Such a system simplifies calculations of scheduled cumulative progress and its
comparison with actual progress. To aid in the evaluation of progress, it is suggested that the
actual progress of each activity be inserted at the end of each major time period.

Figure 1: Gantt chart

THE NETWORK DIAGRAM
As indicated, network graphically portrays major project activities and their relationships. There
are basically two methods of drawing such networks:
i. The ACTIVITY-ON-ARROW DIAGRAM
ii. The ACTIVITY-ON-NODE DIAGRAM.
Special forms of activity-on-node diagram, such as PRECEDENCE DIAGRAMS, also do exist.
While activity-on-node diagrams have certain advantages, activity-on-arrow diagrams will be
utilized to illustrate network construction and time calculations.

Figure 2: Network diagram

CRIRICAL PATH METHOD
A related weakness of the bar graph schedule is its failure to identify those activities which
actually control the project duration. These duration-controlling activities are referred to as
CRITICAL ACTIVITIES. As a result of its failure to identify activity relationships and critical
activities, the bar graph schedule also fails to show the effect of delay or change in one activity
on the entire project. Recognizing these weaknesses in bar graph schedules, planners have for a
number of years attempted to devise improved planning and scheduling methods
PERT DIAGRAM
A PERT chart, sometimes called a PERT diagram, is a project management tool used to
schedule, organize and coordinate tasks within a project. It provides a graphical representation of
a project's timeline that enables project managers to break down each individual task in the
project for analysis.
The PERT chart template uses nodes drawn as rectangles or circles to represent events and
milestones throughout the project. The nodes are connected by vectors drawn as lines which
represent the various tasks that need to be completed. PERT charts provide project managers
with an estimation of the minimum amount of time needed to complete a project. Managers can
also analyze the work breakdown and task connections, as well as assess the risk associated with
the project. The breakdown structure makes it easy to organize a complex project with a variety
of moving parts by visualizing the dependencies between each step of the process.
 Figure 3: PERT DIAGRAM
CONTRACT
Contract is an agreement between two or more people which is enforceable in a courts of law.
The following are ways of making contract;-
i. Orally
ii. Express written
iii. Implication
iv. Ratification
v. Deed
Any building or structure starts with
i. Needs establishment/ opportunity/ idea
ii. Feasibility study
iii. Design phase or stage it involves architects, engineers and planners.
iv. Tendering process or contract pro current process.
v. Tender evaluation and tender award.
vi. Construction stage / stage ( for big projects they are divided into lots to minimize or
educe completion time)
vii. Commissioning stage.
viii. Defect liability stage.
ix. Final account report and project closure