Unexpected delays can be avoided when you prepare a detailed structure of the project. After that, you need to go through the links between each task and find out which kind of relationship is there. When you have identified all the relationships, you are able to do an analysis and find the fastest path to completing the project. Follow these three steps, and you and all your projects are doomed to succeed, claims the management.about.com website.
1. Use a work breakdown structure
What is this? It is simply a list of tasks that are listed in an order that enables you to visualize and understand the connections among them. Add sub-tasks to all of the main tasks and the lines between them. That will help you to make sure the project will not be delayed because of you overlooked a connection or a minor but critical task.
2. Finding critical links
Once you have prepared the work breakdown structure, you need to examine links among the tasks. Search for dependencies and determine what the most important ones are. Not all tasks will be done at the same time and not all tasks will begin at the same time. You need to figure out which tasks have to be finished before others can be started. There are four types of dependencies:
- Finish To Start,
- Finish To Finish,
- Start To Start, and
- Start To Finish.
Based on the character of the dependency, relationships (links) between tasks can be divided into 3 categories: Logical, resource-based and preference.
3. Selecting optimal path
There is one fastest path through all the tasks in any project. This path is the one you want to follow. Focus on the tasks that form this path. If you do so, the chances you will complete your project on time will increase significantly.
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