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What Constitutes a "Real Scheduler"?

February 18, 2008  |  from From the Top

Project controls personnel typically are familiar with both cost and schedule, can recognize the ability to forecast trends and have the ability to determine whether a project is really “on time and on budget.” On large complex projects, it is common for the Project Controls Group to comprise both schedule and cost personnel. However, given the multi-faceted nature of scheduling today, what constitutes a “real scheduler?” One might comment that it is a person who understands critical path method scheduling (CPM) and from his or her personnel experience can develop a schedule for a particular project.  But what does “understanding CPM” really mean?  Is it merely learning how to use a schedule computerized software such as Primavera?  Or is it merely someone who has graduated from a construction management school or has learned on the job and can input labor, material and equipment resources into the CPM and spit out various curves to see where a project is against a baseline?  Others may argue it is someone who can analyze critical and near-critical activities and be quick to find alternative courses of actions should a schedule fall behind.  Does someone need to have actual project experience?  Does one need to be able to understand commodity curves and progress reporting of which CPM scheduling may only play one part.  Does a PSP certification define a true scheduler-or is it confirming that at a minimum an individual understands the basics of what CPM scheduling is and potentially nothing more. Does someone who develops and updates a CPM schedule really understand how to analyze that same schedule after the fact when delays occur to determine whether multiple parties are responsible or there are concurrent event and/or responsibility involved?

In today’s complex project construction, merely having a degree, or on-the-job training, or passing a test to gain certification does not constitute knowing whether an individual is a “real scheduler” or not.  These may all be steps in the right direction to better clarifying one’s abilities relative to CPM scheduling, but it boils down to the specific company and project requirements and expectations.  If the requirement is merely a “scribe” to input data into a software program, then having someone that has attended and passed an extensive course in the respective software program may be sufficient.  However, if the requirements are broadened to include the ability to understand what logic is and is not feasible along with whether activities can be completed within a specified duration under specific circumstances means that added experience and knowledge is required beyond that provided in a software course.  And, if the position requires the ability to ask the hard questions as to how, why and when something was actually delayed along with how and when acceleration and/or mitigation measures can be taken to bring the project back in line to the planned baseline, this will require additional skills not obtained in school, through a course, or even through experience with a particular type of project or construction.

Merely advertising for a “scheduler” is not enough.  I have seen clients assume that scheduling personnel hired are doing what is necessary to look after their employer’s best interest on a project--whether it is for the owner or the contractor. In that individual’s heart, they believe that they are in fact doing the right thing.  When life is good, it may not matter.  However, when life goes bad, the credentials, skill sets, experience, ability to communicate and the ability to find viable alternative courses of actions will require very different skill sets, experience and expertise.  Simply having a certification is not going to be enough and may not even be required if the person has had the hands-on experience and expertise in a particular area.  In a market where project control people are scarce and in an economy where “every dime” counts, employees need to recognize that the “real scheduler” could be the individual who can make or break the ability of senior management to make timely and knowledge based decisions. Employers should take care when interviewing scheduling personnel today.  Look beyond the degree and certification.  While they are important and signify basic understanding of CPM, depending on the specific position requirement, the degree and certification may or may not be necessary and may or may not be enough.  It is “what else” the individual can do with the information that it has available to him or her that really matters.  The “real scheduler” of today is indeed a gem and one not easily found on the open market. 

Filed: Project-Management