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Smart Scheduling: Strategic Plans for On-Time Projects

  • Go beyond setting deadlines to anticipate challenges.
  • Optimise resource allocation for realistic schedules.
  • Build effective schedules using critical path methods.
  • Apply industry-standard scheduling techniques.
  • Deliver projects confidently, at your own pace.

Certificate of Completion
7 hours
€395
On Demand
dotsthree
Ciara Buckley
Ciara Buckley GR_Stars
Associate Director at Regeneron
May 28thglobeimg
Great course, well run and delivered. I would highly recommend as a beneficial asset to your CV. The lectures and material are excellent and it was a pleasure to attend on a weekly basis.
dotsthree
Sinead Kelly
Sinead Kelly GR_Stars
Head of IT Support at Focus Ireland
Jan 17thglobeimg
Really enjoyed my course with the Institute. Tutors were helpful, supportive and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
dotsthree
Alan O'Brien
Alan O'Brien GR_Stars
Head of Digital at Vodafone
Feb 5thglobeimg
Fantastic course. For me, this was my first academic experience where all the learnings were immediately transferable to the work place. The course provided a strong understanding of the Project Management discipline.
dotsthree
David Walsh
David Walsh GR_Stars
Mechanical Engineer at Colas Teoranta
Aug 2ndglobeimg
From my first day to the end, I found the whole experience very worthwhile and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the course content in Project Management very relevant to my role as an engineer, and would recommend it to anyone!
dotsthree
Mark Kuzovlev
Mark Kuzovlev GR_Stars
Project Manager at Proton
Nov 21stglobeimg
I am glad I’ve chosen this institute over alternative programs on the market. Better understanding of PM methodologies and principles helped me not only generate a better job offer shortly after finishing this course but also be more confident and proactive. Looking forward to do another course in the nearest future.
  • About
  • Certification
  • Syllabus
  • Why IPM
  • Dates
  • Reviews
  • FAQs
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Improving Project Efficiency Through Effective Scheduling

A well-structured project schedule is the foundation of successful project execution. Without effective scheduling, even the most well-funded and well-planned projects can experience costly delays and inefficiencies. Poor scheduling can lead to resource bottlenecks, missed deadlines, and unforeseen risks that derail project success.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of scheduling principles, ensuring participants gain the skills to create, manage, and optimise project timelines. Through real-world case studies like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Channel Tunnel, this course highlights the impact of scheduling failures and successes, demonstrating practical solutions to real project challenges.

Learning Outcomes and Content 

This course will enhance your ability to manage project schedules efficiently, making you a more effective project manager, coordinator, or team leader. You’ll gain insights into developing realistic timelines, mitigating scheduling risks, and ensuring smooth project execution. The practical skills you acquire will help you improve workflow efficiency, enhance stakeholder communication, and minimise costly delays in your projects.

Module 1: Introduction to Project Scheduling

  • The importance of scheduling in project management
  • Key scheduling concepts and techniques
  • Case study: Boeing 787 Dreamliner—how poor scheduling led to project overruns

Module 2: Planning and Defining Project Activities

  • Breaking down work into manageable tasks (WBS & activity lists)
  • Identifying dependencies and sequencing project activities
  • Case study: The Channel Tunnel—managing a large-scale infrastructure project

Module 3: Estimating Activity Durations

  • Techniques for estimating time requirements (analogous, parametric, three-point)
  • The role of uncertainty in scheduling
  • Real-world estimation challenges and best practices

Module 4: Critical Path & Schedule Development

  • Critical Path Method (CPM) and its impact on scheduling
  • Schedule compression techniques (fast-tracking & crashing)
  • Hands-on scenario: Developing a project schedule with constraints

Module 5: Managing and Controlling the Schedule

  • Monitoring project progress and making data-driven adjustments
  • Identifying and resolving schedule delays
  • Lessons learned from major project scheduling failures

Module 6: Trends & Future of Scheduling in Project Management

  • AI-powered scheduling tools and predictive analytics
  • The role of automation in modern project scheduling
  • Industry insights: How top organisations optimise scheduling for efficiency

What’s Included in OnDemand

For participants taking the OnDemand / Self-Paced format, you will receive:

  • Subtitles in Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, and French
  • 24/7 Instant Access – Study anytime, anywhere, at your own pace
  • 12 Weeks of Full Access – Plenty of time to complete the course and revisit materials
  • 8 Modules, 8+ Topics – Structured curriculum covering the full course materials
  • Online Quizzes & Exercises – Test your knowledge and apply concepts through practical activities

IPM Hub & Membership

 

Enrolment in this programme includes 12 months’ complimentary access to IPM Membership, supporting continued professional development beyond certification.

 

  • IPM Social Network – A focused professional space for project managers to connect, exchange perspectives, and share practice-based insights.
  • IPM Forums – A collaborative environment for structured discussion, problem-solving, and continuous learning across project disciplines.
  • Events & Mentoring – Access to professional events and mentoring opportunities with experienced practitioners supporting real-world application and career development.
  • Digital Resources – A curated library of templates, guides, articles, and tools to support effective delivery and improved project outcomes.
  • PDU Tracker – A centralised tool to record and manage PDUs, simplifying ongoing professional development and PMP recertification.
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Tailored Strategic Project Scheduling for Your Organisation

  • Receive customised strategic project scheduling training, available through private online sessions or delivered onsite at your organisation.
  • Access flexible delivery options tailored to your team’s specific scheduling needs and project goals.
  • Benefit from expert facilitation to address your organisation’s unique scheduling challenges and optimise timelines.
  • Equip your team with the skills to manage complex project schedules, mitigate risks, and ensure timely project delivery.

Schedule a consultation with our Corporate Training Manager to discuss your organisation’s scheduling needs.

Why IPM?
Reputation & History
Project Management Expertise
Why Choose This Course?
Globally Positioned
360° Learning Partner
Reputation & History
  • Established in 1989, IPM is Ireland’s trusted authority in project management education.
  • 50,000+ professionals trained and 10,000+ certified through accredited programmes.
  • Irish member of IPMA® and partner of PMI® & PRINCE2®, upholding global project management standards.
  • Hosted Ireland’s first PMP® exam, setting the benchmark for professional excellence.
Institute of Project Management (IPM) Expertise Background ornament
Project Management Expertise
  • For over 35 years, IPM has been dedicated exclusively to project, programme, and portfolio management.
  • Faculty of certified experts with over 25 years of industry experience — from Project Directors to former Heads of PM Certification.
  • Every programme combines global best practice with hands-on learning. Designed to help you apply proven methods immediately in real projects.
Smart-Scheduling-Strategic-Plans-for-On-Time-Projects Background ornament
Why Choose This Course?
  • Scheduling Expertise – Learn advanced tools and methods to plan and manage time effectively.
  • Hands-On Practice – Build and optimise schedules for real project scenarios.
  • Expert Instruction – Led by experienced project planning professionals.
  • Career Growth – Strengthen your ability to deliver complex projects on time and within scope.
Institute of Project Management (IPM) Globally Positioned Background ornament
Globally Positioned
  • IPM holds a strong global standing through official partnerships with IPMA®, PMI®, and PRINCE2®, aligning our programmes with international certification standards.
  • As a partner of TU Dublin, Ireland’s second-largest university, IPM is able to offer programmes with university credits.
  • This affiliation connects IPM to the European University of Technology (EUt+), expanding its reach across Europe and beyond.
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360° Learning Partner
  • Stay connected to Ireland’s project management network and global industry insights.
  • IPM supports your growth beyond the classroom through IPM Hub & Membership.
  • Access mentoring, volunteering, events, and the Jobs Portal to advance your career.
  • Publish your writing to build thought leadership and professional visibility.

Self-Paced Learning

Choose type of courses :
On Demand
Live Online
Campus
Corporate Training
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This course can be delivered live online – please contact us for further details.

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This course can be delivered in person – please contact us for further details.

Contact Us

Bespoke In-Person & Online Courses

Corporate Training Solutions

This course is available for organisations looking to meet specific business needs, equipping your team with the skills to drive success.

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We partner with companies worldwide to equip their workforce with essential skills, knowledge, and competences for project success.

We've worked with

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Alumni Reviews

4.8 reviews_star reviews_star reviews_star reviews_star reviews_star
Google (100+ reviews)
dotsthree
Ciara Buckley
Ciara Buckley
Associate Director at Regeneron
May 28thglobeimg
Great course, well run and delivered. I would highly recommend as a beneficial asset to your CV. The lectures and material are excellent and it was a pleasure to attend on a weekly basis.
dotsthree
Sinead Kelly
Sinead Kelly
Head of IT Support at Focus Ireland
Jan 17thglobeimg
Really enjoyed my course with the Institute. Tutors were helpful, supportive and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
dotsthree
David Walsh
David Walsh
Mechanical Engineer at Colas Teoranta
Aug 2ndglobeimg
From my first day to the end, I found the whole experience very worthwhile and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the course content in Project Management very relevant to my role as an engineer, and would recommend it to anyone!
dotsthree
Mark Kuzovlev
Mark Kuzovlev
Project Manager at Proton
Nov 21stglobeimg
I am glad I’ve chosen this institute over alternative programs on the market. Better understanding of PM methodologies and principles helped me not only generate a better job offer shortly after finishing this course but also be more confident and proactive. Looking forward to do another course in the nearest future.
dotsthree
Alan O'Brien
Alan O'Brien
Head of Digital at Vodafone
Feb 5thglobeimg
Fantastic course. For me, this was my first academic experience where all the learnings were immediately transferable to the work place. The course provided a strong understanding of the Project Management discipline.
dotsthree
Ciara Buckley
Ciara Buckley
Associate Director at Regeneron
May 28thglobeimg
Great course, well run and delivered. I would highly recommend as a beneficial asset to your CV. The lectures and material are excellent and it was a pleasure to attend on a weekly basis.
dotsthree
Sinead Kelly
Sinead Kelly
Head of IT Support at Focus Ireland
Jan 17thglobeimg
Really enjoyed my course with the Institute. Tutors were helpful, supportive and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
dotsthree
Alan O'Brien
Alan O'Brien
Head of Digital at Vodafone
Feb 5thglobeimg
Fantastic course. For me, this was my first academic experience where all the learnings were immediately transferable to the work place. The course provided a strong understanding of the Project Management discipline.
dotsthree
David Walsh
David Walsh
Mechanical Engineer at Colas Teoranta
Aug 2ndglobeimg
From my first day to the end, I found the whole experience very worthwhile and thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the course content in Project Management very relevant to my role as an engineer, and would recommend it to anyone!
dotsthree
Mark Kuzovlev
Mark Kuzovlev
Project Manager at Proton
Nov 21stglobeimg
I am glad I’ve chosen this institute over alternative programs on the market. Better understanding of PM methodologies and principles helped me not only generate a better job offer shortly after finishing this course but also be more confident and proactive. Looking forward to do another course in the nearest future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions and everything you need to know about the course.

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes. The course is designed for professionals at any level, from newcomers to project management to those with experience, who want to learn how to integrate AI into their projects.

What is included in the course fee?

The course fee includes access to all course materials on the Student Hub, expert-led video lessons, recordings for a limited period, scheduling frameworks and tools, real-world case studies, and unlimited follow-up support from the Student Support team.

What are the delivery formats available for this course?

The course is delivered through expert-led video lessons with in-depth exploration of scheduling principles and practical exercises, allowing you to participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

What real-world case studies are included in the course?

The course includes case studies covering the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Channel Tunnel projects, highlighting both scheduling failures and successes to demonstrate practical solutions to real project challenges.

How does this course help prevent project delays?

The course teaches how to create well-structured project schedules that prevent costly delays and inefficiencies by addressing resource bottlenecks, missed deadlines, and unforeseen risks that can derail project success.

What support is provided during the course?

The course includes unlimited follow-up support from the Student Support team throughout your learning journey, ensuring you can get help with scheduling strategies whenever needed.

Can I access course materials after completion?

Yes, you’ll have access to all course materials, scheduling frameworks, tools, and case studies on the Student Hub to support your ongoing professional development.

Will I learn to manage unforeseen risks in project scheduling?

Yes, the course addresses how poor scheduling can lead to unforeseen risks and teaches strategies to anticipate and manage these risks to prevent project derailment.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in this course?

This course is suitable for professionals who are involved in project management or scheduling. While prior experience in project management is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement.

What languages are available for this course?

The Live Online classes are delivered in English. For the OnDemand format, subtitles are available in Arabic, French, Simplified Chinese and Spanish, helping improve comprehension and support more effective study. Simply click the CC button on the video player to enable subtitles