A project management timeline is a schedule that outlines deadlines and expected activities for project managers and stakeholders. It can be complex and include multiple timelines, and is often created using project management software. The timeline is used for planning, ordering, and tracking progress, and can also be useful for time management on small projects.
A project management timeline is a document that defines the established schedule for a project, for the benefit of project managers and other stakeholders who need to know the deadlines and expected activities. Developing a timeline is a very important part of the planning process. After a project ends, the timeline rolls back into the post-mortem period to determine whether the project remained on track, what caused deviations, and how problems might be resolved in the future.
The level of complexity in a project management timeline can vary. It is also possible to have multiple timelines. A broad overview can be provided with major milestones, while a breakdown of smaller timelines discuss topics relevant to particular groups of people. In home construction, for example, the overall timeline might cover the permitting process, ground breaking, framing, and other important construction events. Individual crews will receive their own project management timelines so you know what is expected of them and when.
Project management software often has a history function. As the project manager develops plans, these can be fed into the time segment of the schedule, which can also be easily adjusted as changes develop. For example, two events can be fixed two weeks apart so they move together if something advances or delays the first event, to keep the project management timeline proportional and accurately reflect project timeline information.
Throughout a project, the project manager can use the timeline for planning, ordering, and other tasks. As events occur, they can be ticked off in the project management timeline. If there is a delay, this can be noted and notes can include a discussion of the nature of the delay and options for making up for it. For example, it may be possible to shrink in one area to meet a goal, or the delay could trigger a domino effect that could make delivery very late.
While the project management timeline is intended for business and industrial uses, it can also be useful for time management on small projects such as small home improvements. Planning before you finally start can save time by creating a framework for you to follow and allowing for anticipation of needs. For example, someone working on a bathroom remodel needs to know when new plumbing fixtures are due to arrive and when to order various supplies like light fixtures so they can be factored into the project.
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