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Methods of Project Planning for Construction Projects

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 January 10, 2020
Methods of Project Planning for
Construction Projects
Safw Kawa Abdulkareem │ Engineering Department, the American University of Iraq
Sulaimani

Abstract

The objective of this research paper is to highlight and analyze the different types of

planning methods for construction projects in order to determine which one is the best method to

use before starting projects, such as multi-story buildings, houses, roads, highways, airports, and

so on. There are many strategies for scheduling construction projects; they include critical path

method, Gantt chart, Work Breakdown Structure, time-scaled arrow diagram, line of balance

chart, S-curve, activity on node diagram, resource allocation chart, and so on.

Each of these methods is used for work schedules; they could be different in the way of

giving less or more information, and selecting them would be based on the goal of our project and

project requirements. After all, the Gantt Chart method seemed to be the best option for project

scheduling of construction projects. In the Gantt Chart method, the cost estimates and the

progress of the work can be calculated, and also most significantly, the planned and actual work

can be realized on the chart clearly. Above all, the Gantt charts are usually easier to be read by

everyone since every single information or number has a caption explaining it.

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Introduction

Project scheduling is a series of activities organized in a timetable diagram, and this

structure will tell you exactly when, where, how, and what activities should proceed first. Project

planning is arranged by project managers in order to find out the purpose, the cost, time duration,

and the procedure of the total project. Although project planning is taking some time to create, it

does worth it since it is going to save a lot of time later after starting the project. Due to the

absence of planning, sometimes, lots of issues will happen, such as delaying the material delivery,

machines, equipment, and project activities and as a result, wasting lots of time with losing a lot of

money at the same time.

Obviously, there are notable benefits to create a simple schedule. Companies that are

able to successfully finish projects on time according to the planned schedule, therefore, will get

an advantage over the companies which fail in this regard. For better management, there are

some strategies. First, required tasks or activities have to be revised; Next, the available strategies

should be determined and analyzed to realize which one works best for a particular project; the

deciding on the project goals will ease the method selection, and lastly, the project network could

be develop (Gray, 102). In this stage, the engineer should have all the information about the

project, including size, topography, time required to finish, cost, resource availability, and so on.

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Methods of Project Planning

Project managers use different methods of project scheduling in order to estimate the

time required for projects before starting. The period of working on a project can be divided into

three parts, which are before, during, and after completion of construction. The first part, before

planning, includes planning and estimation of the project duration, cost, materials, number of

workers, and sequence of activities. Project scheduling is important because once everything is

planned, everyone, including engineers, workers, contractors, and the owner of the project will

get an idea about when they have to start and finish constructing, how much the project costs,

what materials, machines, equipment are needed, how many workers and engineers are required,

what type of skills from the workers and engineers are sought, and so on (Planning). So during the

construction period, most of the issues and operations would be clear and understandable prior

to happening.

Another advantage of project planning is that in case of needing a type of material,

equipment, or any machine, which might be unavailable in the country, we can order them earlier,

so it will be ready to use when needed for a particular activity of the project . Otherwise, it may

delay the project for months or more. In the case of the unavailability of any type of machine or

materials during the construction process, everyone has to wait and delay their job, including

workers and engineers. So before starting any project, the project manager, engineers, and

supervisors have to make sure of the material deliveries on time.

Project planning and scheduling are used for the purpose of deciding project activities,

duration, money, required materials, and relations between each activity in order to finish a

particular work. There are many methods for scheduling. However, based on the project goal, one

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of them has to be chosen and used to create a good plan before working on the project. There are

many methods to schedule projects, such as the following:

 Critical Path method: was developed “in the late 1950s”, and since then, it is used widely for

scheduling projects, especially in construction, aerospace and defense, software development, IT,

etc; In this method, activities are connected by using dependencies in a network diagram and

forming paths, making forward and backward calculations (Kathy). The critical path of a project

can also be determined using a software, for instance, “Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project helps to

analyze the critical path of a project which consists of thousands of activities (Kathy).

In this method, activities should be listed according to which activity proceed and which

activity follows. Using this method will let us know after how many months, weeks, or days the

project will be completed and also clarifies the construction process for workers, contractors,

engineers, and supervisors to know the procedure and deadlines for each activity in the project.

In other words, this method tells the earliest starts (ES), earliest finishes(EF), latest starts (LS),

and latest finishes (LF) of each activity in the project. I believe this method is much more efficient

than other methods for scheduling because this method gives information about the duration,

earliest start, and the deadline, in which each activity should be completed.

Figure 1: ES, EF, LS, and LF in the Critical Path Method [4].

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 As shown in figure 1, each arrow is drowned with a letter on the top and a number

below the line. The letter represents the activity, and the number represents the time duration

that each activity takes. In the critical path method, the completion of each activity is followed by

an event number in a circle. Each circle has numbers written in both top and bottom. The number

below the circle represents the earliest start of the followed activity, the number over the circle

represents the latest start of each followed activity.

 Gantt Chart is one of the easiest methods of the project schedule to prepare. Its activities are

represented as bars and the length of each bar represents the activity duration. The beginning and

the end of the bar show the start and end date of each activity. Depending on the project execution

plan and resource availability, these bars may be sequential or run in parallel (Kathy).

Figure 2: Gantt Chart Method for planning construction projects [6].

Preparing the Gantt Chart doesn't need a particular software; A simple Excel

Template can be used to make one and update it anytime. By using an excel template, Gantt

Chart can be made for scheduling and planning any types of construction projects. First, the

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 activities are listed in the first column and their durations in the second column. Then the

dates of starting and ending the project are filled up at the top in the first row. After that, a

horizontal bar is drowned for each activity according to its time required

Figure 3: Making a Simple Gantt Chart by Using Excel Template.

The Gantt Chart is basically a diagram representation of the critical path method. The

advantage of a Gantt chart is that any information can be added by putting then in an extra

column. For example, the information, including the duration, cost, ES, EF, LS, and LF could be

represented in the chart, too. Same as the critical path method, we can easily figure out the ES, EF,

LS, and LF on the graph.

One thing that makes Gantt chart a better method than the critical path method is that

the bar graph can show the planned and actual scheduling dates of each activity as shown in

figure 4, and we can compare them right away to improve future scheduling. In this method, the

progress of work can be calculated each week according to the scheduled work. For instance, at

the end of week 4, the progress of work is as the following:

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 Cumulative Progress = ∑ activity Progress * Weight of each activity

Progress at the end of week 4 = ∑ (1*4.7) +(1*0.4) + (0.65*26.4) + (0.10*25.2)

= ∑ (4.7) +(0.4) + (17.16) + (2.52)
Cumulative Progress = 24.78

Another advantage of the Gantt chart method is that columns can be added to determine the cost,
the total cost, or the weight of each activity as presented below in figure 4 and 5.

Figure 4: Actual and Planned Work and the Weight of Each Activity are sketched in the Gantt Chart [4].

Figure 5: Actual and Planned work period with the cost are sketched in the Gantt Chart [4].
7
 Program Evaluation and Review Techniques (Pert): was developed by the “US Navy in the

late 1950’ s for Ballistic Missile Program” in order to find a simple system to organize complex

objectives and thousands of contractors (Kathy). In this method, the longest path can be identified

by making forward and backward calculations.

PERT method seems more difficult to use because it requires learning a software

program in order to make a schedule. In this method, the duration of each task is calculated by

three estimate techniques, which are most likely estimate, optimistic Estimate, and pessimistic

estimate. Optimistic estimate computes the shortest time period or earliest time required for

finishing a task, pessimistic estimate computes the latest time required for finishing a task, and

most likely estimate computes the most possible amount of time to finish the project (Kathy). In

this way, the average estimated time could be analyze.

 Work Breakdown Structure: is an outline of the construction project with different levels of

detail. This method categorizes all the tasks of work project into subsections in a hierarchical

structure, and it shows their relationship with each other as shown in figure 6. This method also

serves as a framework for tracking cost, work performance, and progress (Gray, 108).

Figure 6: Work Breakdown Structure Method for project planning.

8
 Activity on Node diagram: is another method used to create project networks. Nowadays, this

method is used mostly; In this method, each task will be presented in different shapes of boxes, in

which they are joined together by an arrow (Gray, 166). And, the arrows represent the relation

between the activities and the order of each of them.

Figure 7: Activity on Node diagram Method [7].

This method is similar to the critical path method. It presents the name, number, and

duration of each activity. However, it doesn't show the ES, EF, LS, and LF on the network diagram

as shown in figure 7 and 8. The difference between this method and the critical path method is

that in the activity on the Node Diagram method, the letter of each activity is written in the circle,

but in the critical path method, the letter of each activity is written over the arrow.

Figure 8: Activity on Node Diagram for Planning Road Work [4].

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 Resource Allocation Chart: used in projects where there is a competition between activities

for project resources. Resources could be considered as materials, specific labor types,

transportation resources, and so on (Kathy).

Figure 9: Resource Allocation Chart [4].

This method shows the starting, ending, and duration of each activity in a table.

However, this method doesn't give enough details similar to other methods. Resource Allocation

Chart method is very similar to the Gantt chart except that in the Gantt chart, both planned and

actual work are shown, but only the planned work is shown in the resource Allocation Chart

Time scaled arrow diagram: is one of the methods of project scheduling and

represents the preceding and proceeding activities by an arrow. In this method, it is much easier

to determine the float times, as shown in figure 10. However, this method only shows the

duration, starting, and finishing date of each activity without determining the ES, EF, LS, and LF.

Figure 10: Time Scaled Arrow Diagram for Scheduling Projects [4].
10
 Line of balance chart (Linear Scheduling Method): is another method for project

scheduling. This method is mostly used for several repetitive tasks of a project. When a project

involves 3-5 tasks for a long-distance area, such as constructing roads, drilling, digging wells

and etc, then this method is the best option. For instance, figure 11 below shows a schedule,

using a linear scheduling method for a project with five repetitive activities, such as site

clearing, drainage, subgrade, base course, and paving for 50 stations. So each activity is done

for a long-distance area and requires a long period of time to be completed.

Figure 11: Linear Scheduling Method, Used for Repetitive Work [4].

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 S-curve (cumulative progress chart): is a graphical representation of project progression in

percentage versus time. Same as the Gantt chart method, this method presents both the planned

and actual scheduling of the project. The purpose is to see the difference and progress of the work

and improve future scheduling. Similar to the time-scaled arrow diagram, this method only shows

the duration, starting, and finishing date of each activity without deciding on the earliest and

latest start with the earliest and latest finish. It is also called cumulative progress chart.

Figure 12: S- Curve Showing Work Progress, Actual, and Planned Work [4].

As a result, the best method to use for project scheduling and planning based on what

previously were mentioned could be the Gantt Chart Method. In the Gantt Chart method, the

weight of each activity is determined; the cost is calculated in a separate column; the planned and

actual working dated are recorded and could be shown.

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Consequences of Delaying Construction Projects

Construction Projects are essential requirements and needed to be done to meet the

population demand and necessities. However, delaying construction projects is a common issue

around the world, especially when the projects are given to the central government. In Mumbai "4

out of 10 infrastructure projects are behind the scheduled deadline" (Pillay). One of the

consequences of project delay is the increase in the project cost like sometimes the cost increases

about 20 times the original cost (Pillay). For example, delaying a railway conversion project on

the Bankura-Damodar stretch in West Bengal the original caused the project to cost more than the

original price, which is from ₹ 111.9 crores to ₹ 2,371.85 crores (1 crore is 10 million) (Pillay).

So when a project is delayed, a huge amount of money is going to be spent and wasted,

however, that amount could be invested for other projects or used for buying new equipment.

There are many Data showing that the delay in construction projects causes time overrun and

cost overrun.

Figure 13: project cost overruns due to delays [5].

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 There are several other examples of project delay, such as from Western Australia, UAE,

Finland, and the USA. In each of these projects, the project delaying is between a year to 6 years.

In each of them, big differences between the original and final costs are recorded. As shown in

figure 13 below, as the projects are delayed, consequently their costs, which is called cost

overrun, has increased as well.

Delays of Projects vs. Cost Overrun

60

50 final cost
Cost Overrun (Billions)

40 planned cost

30

20

10

0
18 Month 5 years 6 years 8 years
Delays of Projects

Figure 14: Consequences of Construction Project Delay [9].

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Conclusion

In conclusion, planning and scheduling construction projects is very crucial in order to

avoid project delays and cost overruns. So, the progress and completion of the construction

project during the whole period of working will depend on how effective is the manager's

schedule. The more detailed and clear the plan, the better and more understandable it will be.

There are many methods available for planning projects, including critical path method, Gantt

chart, time-scaled arrow diagram, line of balance chart, S-curve, activity on node diagram,

resource allocation chart, expanded node diagram, work breakdown structure, Program

Evaluation and Review Techniques (Pert), and so on.

After analyzing all of the techniques available, we have reached the conclusion that the

Gantt chart method is the best method to use in terms of giving most information required for the

contractors, workers, and everyone else working in the site during the construction work. This

method will allow determining the weight, progress, cost, actual and planned work, duration of

each activity, and also it is very understandable and clear. Planning reduces the amount of delays

and supports the project run much more smoothly.

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References

[1] Gray, C. F., E. W. Larson, and McGraw-Hill. "Project Management: The Managerial Process."
Defining the Project Scope. 2005.

[2] Kathy. “Scheduling Techniques and Project Schedule Management.” Projectcubicle, 20 Mar.
2018. <www.projectcubicle.com/scheduling-techniques/>.

[3] Pillay, Amritha. “Delays, Cost Overruns Plague Infrastructure Projects.” livemint.com. 29 Mar.
2015. <www.livemint.com/Politics/tJkxdTZWlvS1kwNgJdbqII/Delays-cost-overruns-
plague-infrastructure-projects.html>.

[4] Planning and Scheduling. 1 Oct. 2019,

<file:///C:/Users/Savo/Documents/8th%20semester/construction%20engineerinn
g/5-%20Project%20planning.pdf>.

[5] Ram, R. Sree. “Execution Delays and Low Tariffs Pose Double Trouble for NHPC.”
Https://Www.livemint.com, Livemint, 21 Nov. 2017,
<www.livemint.com/Money/T9za1CBZgaPw8YqzdsnYDI/Execution-delays-and-low-
tariffs-pose-double-trouble-for-NHP.html>.

[6] Skwiot, John. “Project Scheduling Methods.” Archtoolbox, 20 Sept. 2019,

<www.archtoolbox.com/practice/project-management/project-scheduling-
methods.html>.

[7] Usmani, Fahad. “Precedence Diagramming Method (Activity on Node Method) in Scheduling.”
Study Circle, 3 Feb. 2019..<https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/07/precedence-
diagramming-method-activity-on-node-method-scheduling/>.

[8] Viveka, Vinci. “Pert- Program Evaluation and Review Technique.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 11
Mar. 2013, <www.slideshare.net/vinciviveka/pert-17096780>.

[9] Wilks, Stuart. “The Century's Most Troublesome Construction Projects.” - GCR, 5 Oct. 2015,
<www.globalconstructionreview.com/perspectives/centurys-most-troublesome-
construction-pr8oje8ct8s/>.

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