Topics

After having defined what the project is (POS) and what the result of the project will be (requirements specification and system specification), a project manager can start to plan the project. First, the previous definitions have to be “translated” to activities to be performed in the project. Each activity goes along with a concrete result.

On this basis, the required project resources in terms of:

• duration,
• personnel and other resources, and
• finances/costs

can be planned.

Gantt charts and network diagrams are appropriate tools for planning and controlling the project schedule.

Goals

In this module you will:

• get familiar with Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), what it is, and how they are developed
• learn how to estimate required project resources (duration, personnel and other resources, finances/cost)
• learn about the use of Gantt charts and network diagrams for scheduling a project
• show how to adjust project schedule and costs according to the available resources in terms of personnel.

Readings

Required readings:

Textbook: Robert K. Wysocki (2009): Effective Project Management (fifth edition), Wiley Publishing

• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5, pp. 235-249

Additional readings:
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