1. project goal and project scope
2. Generate a work breakdown structure
It is time to identify the smaller deliverables. This is your work breakdown structure. Do not worry about how long these tasks will take or how they relate to others around them. Just write them down.
3. Create specific project tasks
Break those deliverables down into smaller subtasks. We recommend using a Kanban board to structure them in a hierarchy.
The goal here is to be able to glimpse at a logical layout of all the required tasks and see how they fit together.
4. Determine task ownership and resource availability
Once you have assigned owners to each task, it is time to invite each resource specialist and team leader into your discussion.
you’ll need to determine as close as possible how long each task will take. To get a close estimate, you can look back at similar projects. Many project management tools allow time tracking, which will give you the data you need to estimate time limits for future projects and tasks. Or you can find the average length of time between the highest possible duration and lowest possible duration you think the task could take.
Additionally, during the project scheduling process, project managers oftentimes create a resource calendar, which shows when your resources will be available. For example, building a website requires a lot of collaboration between the front-end and back-end developers, as well as a design team. When building a website, then, you’d have to make sure you know when your developers and designers are available and how long it will take them to complete their tasks.
When creating your project schedule, you’ll need to note when each resource is available. Ask yourself: Will particular funding come on a certain date? Are there tools, people, or other resources needed that are only available for a set period of time?
5. Sequence steps and estimate time required
Depending on your experience, you may be able to sequence the steps of your project timeline alone. However, it is still a good idea to call on your team leaders and specialists to help you and ensure nothing is missed.
While the previous step tells you which resources you will need to deliver the project, this step will tell you when you need them and for how long.
6. Identify dependencies and bottlenecks
Often, this step is completed in parallel with step 5. While sequencing your project steps, you will identify which ones require other tasks to be finished before another can start.
7. Construct your project timeline
Whether you are using a spreadsheet or a project management tool, begin by listing all WBS deliverabes and subtasks in your timeline.
8. Assign milestones
Now, you want to make sure you can track project progress as easily as possible.
To do this, group tasks together and create project checkpoints throughout the project lifecycle.
In Agile PM tools, you can group several jobs together into an “Epic.”
The checkpoints throughout your project are called “milestones.”
