Schedule Compression

Schedule Compression (SC) refers to the techniques used to shorten the duration of a project schedule without reducing the scope of the project. It is a crucial concept in project management as it allows project managers to meet tight deadlines or adjust project timelines in response to new information or changes in project constraints. The two primary methods for schedule compression are crashing and fast tracking. Crashing involves adding resources to critical tasks to reduce their duration, while fast tracking involves overlapping tasks that would typically be performed sequentially.

For instance, in a construction project, if the deadline for the foundation work is approaching and the project is behind schedule, the project manager may decide to hire additional contractors to increase the workforce, thereby crashing the schedule. Alternatively, to fast track, the manager might start the design of the first floor while the foundation work is still ongoing, understanding the risks associated with overlapping these tasks. These methods are essential tools for project managers preparing for the PMP certification exam to understand the complexities of adjusting project schedules to meet project objectives and deadlines.