Develop Schedule

Analyzes activity sequences, durations, resources, and constraints to create the schedule model and the approved schedule baseline. This is where the plan finally gets real dates.

Process Group Planning Knowledge Area Project Schedule Management

Develop Schedule pulls together activities, their sequence, durations, and resource availability into a schedule model, then sets the schedule baseline. Critical path method reveals which activities drive the end date, while resource optimization and schedule compression (crashing, fast-tracking) reconcile the schedule with constraints.

Develop Schedule: key inputs and outputs — The key inputs feeding Develop Schedule and the deliverables it produces — full ITTOs are listed below.

It is iterative: the team adjusts assignments, leads and lags, and sequencing until the schedule is both realistic and acceptable. The critical path and total float become the levers the PM watches and manages for the rest of the project.

Common pitfalls. An over-optimistic baseline no one believes; ignoring resource constraints and producing an unachievable schedule; crashing or fast-tracking without accounting for the added cost and risk; and a baseline that is never re-validated as work proceeds.

Inputs, Tools & Techniques, and Outputs

Inputs

Project management plan
Project documents
Agreements
Enterprise environmental factors
Organizational process assets

Tools & Techniques

Schedule network analysis
Critical path method
Resource optimization
Data analysis
Leads and lags
Schedule compression
Project management information system
Agile release planning

Outputs

Schedule baseline
Project schedule
Schedule data
Project calendars
Change requests
Project management plan updates
Project documents updates