A programme for delivering the project should be established from the outset. Initially this will be a broad-brush target bar chart, which will develop over time to include all aspects of the project, as well as timescales for project procurement, commissioning and occupation.
It is likely that a broad-brush programme will have been set during the procurement planning work stage, as part of the outline feasibility study. It is usually expressed as a bar chart, using proprietary software. A more detailed programme for delivering the project should be agreed by the project team or the project board at the earliest opportunity. This will build on the initial bar chart, and should cover the five main stages of the process:
As time moves on, the individual activities of the project can be included in the programme. Once a procurement plan is agreed, the programme should be extended to cover tasks in the production information, local authority planning, construction and commissioning stages. The programme should be included on the agenda for every project team and project board meeting. The project manager will normally take responsibility for keeping the programme up to date, and will identify critical items that could affect project delivery including approval of funding, local authority planning etc.
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