Project scheduling

By utilising these advantages, project managers can significantly improve the chances of project success and timely delivery.

Six steps to create a project schedule

A project schedule is a comprehensive document that outlines a project’s timeline. It is one of the most important project management tools. Scheduling is one of the key tasks in project management. To help you along, here are six steps that will allow you to create a solid schedule for your project.

1. Define tasks and milestones

List all the tasks that are necessary to complete the project. Then determine the project milestones , and group tasks that make up each milestone into work packages. The process of preparing a comprehensive list of project tasks is known as Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

Example of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

List all required tasks
Determine project milestones
Group related tasks into work packages.

2. Sequence activities

Sequence the tasks, establishing the order in which the work will be performed. Use a network diagram to visualise the dependencies and the critical path.

Example of a network diagram

3. Estimate task durations

Project scheduling techniquesBetter Business Cases

There are several techniques available for the effective creation and management of project schedules. Some of these techniques include Gantt charts, task lists, and calendars. This knowledge train will cover the definition and purpose of each of these techniques, the advantages and limitations of using each, when it is appropriate to use each, and benefits for smaller projects. The knowledge train aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of project scheduling techniques to help project managers make informed decisions about which techniques to use for their projects.™

Gantt chartsFoundation

Definition and purposeLearn the fundamentals of Better Business cases.

A Practitioner Gantt chartIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. is a type of bar chart that is commonly used in project management to visually represent a project schedule. It shows the start and end dates of project tasks, as well as their duration, as horizontal bars along a timeline. Gantt charts can also be used to display the dependencies between tasks.

Example of a Gantt chart

Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.Project scheduling techniques are an essential aspect of project management and choosing the right technique can greatly impact the success of a project. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each technique, as well as when and where to use them, project managersWorkshops can effectively create and manage project schedules. Combining multiple techniques, such as using a Gantt chart to track progress and a calendar to visualise the timeline, can also be a useful strategy for managing project schedules.AI in Project Management

Advanced scheduling conceptsLearn how to use AI tools in everyday project work.

The more complex the AGILEprojectAgilePM, the more benefit can be gained from advanced scheduling techniques. CPM and CCPM are methods to take your project planning to the next level.®

Critical Path Method (CPM) – Agile Project Management

Definition and importanceFoundation

The Learn the key principles of Agile Project Management.Critical Path MethodPractitioner (CPM) is a project management technique used to identify the longest path of dependent tasks in a project schedule. The critical path determines the minimum project duration.Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.

Example of a Critical Path Method (CPM)

Example of a Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)

Includes Foundation & Practitioner combined option.

Collaborate with team membersPROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Get your team involved in the scheduling process. Their input can be invaluable in terms of providing more accurate estimates for task durations and helping you to identify potential issues. This approach can also be helpful in terms of getting your team to MSPbuy-in® to the schedule.Foundation

Break large tasks into smaller, manageable piecesLearn the fundamentals of programme management.

Break complex tasks into smaller and more manageable subtasks. This method, called Practitioner Work Breakdown StructureIncludes Foundation & Practitioner combined option. (WBS), makes it easier to estimate the time, track progress, and allocate resources.INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Consider dependencies and constraints

Identify and document all task dependencies and project constraints. This will help you to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that activities are logically sequenced.

Build in buffer time for unexpected delays

Include

Project scheduling is a vital aspect of successful PRINCE2 COURSES project managementSelect your preferred training course below: . By grasping key concepts, using the right tools and following best practices, project managers can create effective schedules. Developing strong scheduling skills will lead to better resource allocation, risk APM COURSES management and overall project success. Keep refining your techniques and you’ll be well on your way to learning the art of project scheduling.

PRINCE2 AGILE COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

SCRUM COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

AGILE BUSINESS ANALYSIS COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

BUSINESS ANALYSIS QUALIFICATIONS

Select your preferred training course below:CHANGE MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS Select your preferred training course below:PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Select your preferred qualification.

MSP COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:

PMI COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:

PMI COURSES

Select your preferred training course below: PRINCE2 COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

An introduction to PRINCE2 Agile – webinar with Andrew Kell

APM COURSES

AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

PRINCE2 AGILE COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

BUSINESS CASE COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:

Select your self-paced training course topic.

AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

PRINCE2 AGILE COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

SCRUM COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:

LEAN SIX SIGMA COURSES

Select your self-paced training course topic.

BCS BUSINESS ANALYST COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:

CHANGE MANAGEMENT COURSES

Select your self-paced training course topic. APMG CHANGE MANAGEMENT COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT COURSES

MSP COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

IT QUALIFICATIONS

Select your preferred qualification.

ITIL COURSESSelect your preferred training course below:

Select your preferred qualification.

ITIL COURSES

Select your preferred training course below:

Explore the Five Case Model, a comprehensive framework for solving business problems. Enhance your understanding of its structured approach by reading further.LEARNING LIBRARIES

Select your preferred training course topic.

AI QUALIFICATIONS & WORKSHOPS Select your preferred qualification or workshop.

AIPGF COURSES

How to pass your Foundation-level exam in PRINCE2

Simon BuehringSelect your preferred training course below:

19 Feb 2026

AIPGF COURSES Maximise your chances of passing your Foundation-level exam in PRINCE2 with our targeted revision tips. Read on for effective study strategies.Select your preferred training course below:

AI WORKSHOPS

Select your preferred workshop below: Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organization.

What is the best project management certification in 2026?

Simon Buehring

20 Mar 2026Knowledge Train is a Better Business Cases Accredited Training Organization.

Confused about which project management certification to pursue? Compare the most recognized certifications and find the best fit for your career.Knowledge Train is a P3O Accredited Training Organization.

Knowledge Train is an AgilePM Accredited Training Organization.

Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Agile Accredited Training Organization.

Knowledge Train is an Agile BA Accredited Training Organization.

PRINCE2 methodologyBCS accredited training partner for Business Analysis.

Simon BuehringKnowledge Train is an Agile BA Accredited Training Organization.

19 Feb 2026

Knowledge Train is a Change Management Accredited Training Organization. Understand how the PRINCE2 methodology supports organizations in delivering successful projects that meet business expectations. Read further for a deep dive.

Knowledge Train is an MSP Accredited Training Organization.

Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Accredited Training Organization. Knowledge Train is an AgilePM Accredited Training Organization.

PRINCE2 Agile book review

Simon Buehring

19 Feb 2026Knowledge Train is an AgilePM Accredited Training Organization.

Read our review of the official PRINCE2 Agile guidance manual and understand how it combines structured project management with Agile flexibility.Knowledge Train is a PRINCE2 Agile Accredited Training Organization.

Knowledge Train is a Lean Six Sigma Accredited Training Organization.

BCS accredited training partner for Business Analysis.

Knowledge Train is a Change Management Accredited Training Organization.

How to become a project management consultantKnowledge Train is an MSP Accredited Training Organization.

Knowledge TrainAXELOS Peoplecert accredited training organisation for ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library).

19 Feb 2026

AXELOS Peoplecert accredited training organisation for ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library). Are you ready to take the leap into project management consulting? Our guide will give you an overview of the steps and key job boards to land your first role. Kickstart your consulting career in project management now.

Knowledge Train is an AIPGF Accredited Training Organization.