1.1 Difference between project and program
| Project | Program |
| A temporary activity with a specific goal, scope and resources to deliver or create a unique output within a defined timeframe. | A collection of related projects managed and coordinated to achieve strategic objective. |
| Limited scope with defined start and end dates. | Broader in scope, involving multiple interconnected projects. |
| Short-term duration (Month to Year). | Long-term duration involving several phases. |
| Independent from other project. | Interdependent project, sharing resource and objective. |
| Project specific resources. | Shared resources across the project. |
| Managed by individual project manager. | Managed by multiple project manager. |
| Example: Building house or bridge. | Example: Developing housing community. |
1.2 Characteristics of project and program
- Temporary: Project have a clear beginning and end.
- Unique: Each project is different and has specific goals.
- Defined scope: Project have clear boundaries and objective.
- Resources: Project requires people, material and tools.
- Goal oriented: Project aim to achieve specific outcomes.
- Cross-functional: Involves people from different area.
- Stakeholder: Involve people with an interest in project.
- Integration: Different task are coordinated together.
- Constraints: Project are limited by time, cost and quality.
- Uncertainty: Project may face risk and unknowns.
1.3 Project life cycle
1. Conceptualization/Formulation phase
- Ideas are brainstormed and evaluated to decide if the project is worth pursuing.
- Rough plans are sketch out to see if the project is feasible.
- Project objective, scope and initial plan are developed.
2. Design and development/Planning phase
- Detailed project plan is created.
- Tasks, timeline and resource are defined.
- Risk analysis and mitigation strategies are developed.
- Project team is assembled and roles are assigned.
3. Execution/Implementation phase
- Actual work on the project begins.
- Project team carries out the planned tasks and activities.
- Project progress is monitored and adjustment are made if needed.
4. Finish/Terminating phase
- Closing phase of project.
- Project is formally closed and resources are released.
- Lessons learned are documented for future improvements.
1.4 Introduction to planning, monitoring and control
- Project planning: Process of defining project goals, creating a detailed roadmap.
- Monitoring: Involves continuously tracking the progress of task and activities.
- Control: Corrective action to keep the project on track.
1.5 Introduction to project planning tools
1. Gantt chart (Bar Chart)
- It is a visual tool that shows the timeline of a projects tasks and activities.
- Use horizontal bars to represent each task and their start and end dates.
- Helps in scheduling, organizing and tracking project progress easily.
Use of Gantt chart for project planning and monitoring:
- Task scheduling: Helps to create a timeline of task.
- Dependencies: Shows which task need others to be done first (predecessor task).
- Resource management: Helps to allocate resource effectively.
- Critical path: Identifies the most critical tasks that could delay whole project.
- Track progress: Helps monitor task completion and overall progress.
Resource planning and leveling by using Gantt chart:
- Resource allocation: Helps to assign task to people and equipment.
- Avoid overloading: Prevent giving too much work to one person.
- Available resource: Show when resource is free to new tasks.
- Balancing workload: Distribute work evenly among team member.
- Resolve conflict: Resolves resource conflict between tasks.
2. Critical path method (CPM)
- Project planning tool used to identify the sequence of tasks that determines project overall duration.
Use of CPM network for project planning and monitoring:
- Identifying critical tasks: Helps to identify critical tasks that directly impacts project duration.
- Efficient schedule: Helps create an optimized and realistic project timeline.
- Early warning: Warns potential delay, allowing timely action.
- Progress tracking: Monitors task completion to keep the project on track.
- Project control: Helps manage and control the project progress effectively.
3. Milestone chart
- It highlights key project events or goals as milestones.
- Visual way to track progress.
4. Linked Bar chart
- Display task as bars linked sequence.
- Shows task duration and dependencies.
5. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
- Uses network diagram to represent task and their interdependencies.
- Helps to identify risk in project.
6. Line of Balance
- Used in projects with repetitive task such as construction.
- Helps to plan and manage work by balancing resources.
1.6 Earned value analysis (EVA)
- EVA measures amount of work in terms of cost and time.
- Helps to predict future project performance based on current trends.
- Shows project performance insight.
1. BCWS (Budgeted cost of work scheduled)
- Planned cost for work scheduled to be completed.
- Shows budgeted value for work.
2. ACWP (Actual cost of work performed)
- Actual cost incurred in completing work to a specific date.
- Shows actual expenses spent on complete work.
3. BCWP (Budgeted cost of work performed)
- Value of the completed work as per the budget.
- Shows planned cost of work that has been successfully finished.
1.7 Time-cost trade off
It is project management strategy where we decide between completing a project faster or saving cost by extending its duration.
1.8 Introduction to cost-control and technique audit
Cost control:
- Process of managing and regulating project expenses.
- Main objective is to ensure project stays within budget and avoid spending.
- Methods involves:
a. Budget monitoring: Track expenses.
b. Variance analysis: Compare actual cost to planned cost.
Technical auditing:
- Examination of project activities and outcomes to ensure they meet quality and technical standard.
- Helps identify issue and improve project.
Reference:
• Harold Kerzner (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling.
• PMI (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – 7th Edition.
• Nebosh, Nepal Engineering Council Syllabus (2024). Engineering Professional Practice Notes.
• Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM).
• Personal Class Notes & Presentations from Nepalese Engineering Institutions.