Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Create A Project Timeline

A project timeline is essential for any project to keep all team players on the same page.


The process to complete a small- or large-scale project can be challenging. The best way to eliminate project delays is to create a realistic timeline that everyone working on the project can reference. In order to effectively create your timeline, set a project start and end date and make a checklist of tasks to be accomplished.


Instructions


Create


1. Use a format for your project timeline that best suits your needs. There are several options available from a simple dry erase board in a conference room, to a Microsoft Excel timeline or project management software. Creating the timeline electronically allows team players to review and sign off on their steps and due dates.


2. Fill in the blanks with your start date, list of tasks and completion dates.


3. Send the timeline out to team players or department heads for feedback.


4. Implement changes to the timeline from the feedback received from team players and department heads.


Execute


5. Communicate the timeline to your team players. A kick-off meeting can be a great way to present the project timeline and motivate your team.


6. Send out the timeline on a daily, weekly or monthly basis depending on your project. Schedule meetings as required to discuss issues and status updates.


7. Stay flexible throughout the project as unforeseen delays occur. Be reasonable with the timeline to ensure that quality does not suffer.

Tags: team players, project timeline, department heads, players department, players department heads, Send timeline