Project Planning
Construction Planning
Project Scheduling
EOT Claims
Baseline Schedules
Progress Reporting
Microsoft Projects
Primavera P6
CCS Software
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mining Development
Wind Farming
Energy Projects
Project Planning
Construction Planning
Project Scheduling
EOT Claims
Baseline Schedules
Progress Reporting
Microsoft Projects
Primavera P6
CCS Software
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mining Development
Wind Farming
Energy Projects
What is a Project Baseline, and why is it "frozen"?
A baseline is the approved version of your schedule, cost, and scope. It is frozen to serve as a fixed reference point. Without it, you cannot objectively measure if the project is ahead or behind schedule.
What is the difference between a "Progress Update" and a "Revised Baseline"?
A progress update records actual work done against the original plan. A revised baseline is a complete re-calculation of the remaining work, usually triggered by a significant change in scope or a “re-baselining” agreement.
How often should a construction schedule be updated?
In high-stakes engineering projects, weekly updates are best for internal control, while monthly updates are typically the contractual requirement for client reporting.
What are the essential components of a "Contractual Baseline"?
It must include a clear Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), logical links (predecessors/successors), resource allocations, and critical milestones (e.g., Access Dates, Practical Completion).
Why should I avoid "Negative Float" in my baseline?
Negative float indicates that the schedule is already late before work has even begun. A professional baseline should always show a path to completion on or before the contractual date.
What is the Critical Path Method (CPM)?
CPM is a technique that identifies the longest sequence of tasks that determines the project finish date. Any delay to a task on this path directly delays the entire project.
What is "Total Float" vs. "Free Float"? * Total Float:
The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date.
Free Float: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the start of its successor.
Is "Float" owned by the Contractor or the Employer?
This depends on the contract (e.g., NEC4 or JBCC). Generally, unless specified otherwise, float is “owned” by the project—whoever uses it first, gets it.
What are "Leads" and "Lags" in scheduling?
A Lead allows an acceleration of the successor (starting before the predecessor finishes), while a Lag is a forced delay between tasks (e.g., waiting 7 days for concrete to cure).
Why is "Open-Ended" logic considered a risk?
If an activity has no successor, its delay won’t impact the rest of the schedule in the software, potentially hiding a major project delay.
Why is a Baseline Schedule considered the "Rule of Law" in construction?
For Engineers and Project Managers, the baseline is not just a plan; it is the approved version of the project timetable used to measure performance. Without a fixed baseline, you cannot objectively calculate variances, justify Extension of Time (EOT) claims, or prove the impact of delays
How does the Critical Path Method (CPM) prevent project failure?
The Critical Path represents the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the shortest possible project duration. For Technologists and Supervisors, identifying these tasks is vital because any delay in a “critical” activity—such as a specialized foundation pour or a long-lead equipment delivery—directly pushes out the final completion date
What are the most common causes of scheduling conflicts on-site?
According to industry standards and PMP case studies, the top three triggers are:
Resource Contention: Multiple contractors (e.g., Civil and Electrical) needing the same workspace or equipment simultaneously.
Inaccurate Durations: Setting optimistic timelines without accounting for South African specificities like seasonal rain days or site access permits.
Scope Creep: Accepting “minor” changes without updating the logic links in the master schedule.
How do I handle a "Force Majeure" or weather-related delay?
For Contractors and Public Sector Entities, documentation is everything. You must:
Check your specific contract (NEC, JBCC, or FIDIC) for notice periods.
Log the event in the Daily Site Diary immediately.
Update the schedule to show how the event moved the Critical Path. Note: PSS-Planners specializes in these forensic rain impact calculations to safeguard your claims.
What is the difference between "Crashing" and "Fast-Tracking" a schedule?
Small contractors often can’t afford a full-time planner. We provide “ad-hoc” services—setting up a professional baseline for a tender or managing monthly updates to ensure they are protected in claim situations
What is an Extension of Time (EOT) claim?
It is a formal request for more time to complete a project due to events beyond the contractor’s control (e.g., inclement weather, late access, or scope changes).
What is "Forensic Delay Analysis"?
t is the “archaeology” of project schedules ,using data to determine why a project was delayed, who was responsible, and the impact on the finish date.
What is the difference between "Excusable" and "Non-Excusable" delays?
Excusable: Caused by the Employer or external events (e.g., a strike).
Non-Excusable: Caused by the Contractor (e.g., poor resource management).
What are "Concurrent Delays"?
When two or more delay events occur at the same time—one caused by the Employer and one by the Contractor. Determining “who pays” in these cases is a complex legal and forensic task.
Why are "Contemporaneous Records" so important for claims?
Courts and adjudicators value records created at the time of the event (daily logs, minutes, photos) far more than memory-based testimony years later.
How does the NEC contract handle scheduling differently?
The NEC requires a “Revised Programme” to be submitted regularly (often monthly). If the Project Manager doesn’t respond, the contractor can sometimes treat it as “deemed accepted.”
What is a "Time-Bar" in South African contracts?
It is a strict deadline. If you don’t notify a claim within a specific window (e.g., 28 days in FIDIC/NEC), you may lose your right to claim entirely.
How do I calculate "Rain Days" for an EOT?
You must compare actual rainfall against the “historical average” defined in the contract. Only rainfall exceeding the norm is usually claimable.
What is "Disruption" vs. "Delay"?
- Delay is a late finish to a task.
- Disruption is a loss of productivity (e.g., having to work around another contractor), even if the end date doesn’t change.
Can I claim "Acceleration Costs"?
Yes, if the Employer instructs you to finish earlier than the current completion date, or if they refuse a valid EOT and you are forced to work faster to avoid penalties.
What is the best way to learn Forensic Delay Analysis?
Start by mastering CPM scheduling. Then, study the SCL (Society of Construction Law) Delay and Disruption Protocol.
Why should Site Agents be trained in MS Project?
If the person running the site doesn’t understand the schedule logic, they cannot effectively manage the subcontractors or provide accurate progress data.
What is "Project Controls" vs. "Project Management"?
Project Management is the “leadership” (people, safety, quality). Project Controls is the “science” (data, cost, schedule, and forecasting).
How can PSS-Planners assist a small contractor?
Small contractors often can’t afford a full-time planner. We provide “ad-hoc” services—setting up a professional baseline for a tender or managing monthly updates to ensure they are protected in claim situations
How often should a project schedule be updated?
While the baseline remains fixed, the “working schedule” should be updated weekly or monthly. Regular updates create a “paper trail” of contemporaneous records, which is the only way to successfully substantiate EOT claims or defend against liquidated damages.
Why should Technicians and Site Agents care about "Float" or "Slack"?
Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the project end date. Knowing which tasks have “Total Float” allows Team Leaders to reallocate resources to the Critical Path when emergencies arise, ensuring the project remains agile without losing control.
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