Planning and Programming (Unit 38)

An APC Candidates Guide.

Unit 38– Planning and Programming (Infrastructure) clarifies that planning is the overall approach that defines what needs to be done and how much of it is required, while programming (also known as scheduling) specifies who will perform the tasks and when. Both aspects are crucial for developing a project program.

The unit outlines the typical lifecycle of a project and its major categories in Planning and Programming:

Project Planning:

This involves establishing acceptable actions to execute a project effectively by reviewing the project scope and objectives.

Key elements include input to planning (such as stakeholders, historical data, contract specifications, value improvement practices, and planning considerations); the planning process (which consists of scope development, execution strategy, work breakdown structure, organization chart, establishing milestones, defining activities, determining logical sequences, estimating activity durations, resource allocation, risk management, and program contingency); and planning outputs/deliverables (which consist of the project plan, project goals/execution strategy, scope development, work breakdown structure, organization chart, milestones, activity definitions, logical sequences, activity durations, resource allocation, program contingency, and cash flow).

It also describes the transition to program development.

Program Development:

This focuses on defining the activities, durations, and logical relationships necessary to implement the plan, as well as monitoring, updating, and communicating the program.

Key elements include program models and methods (such as critical points, precedence diagram method, Bar/Gantt chart, PERT, line of balance, linear scheduling, critical chain, and CPM schedule algorithm); program input (which involves milestones, activity definitions, activity logic and diagrams, realistic activity duration development, schedule constraints, project calendar, coding for sorting, resource allocation/availability/constraints, critical path, total float, and free float); and program development outputs/deliverables (like the baseline program, program basis documentation, milestones, work breakdown structure, schedule constraints, project calendar, coding, resource allocation, critical path, total float, and free float).

The unit also discusses important program development concepts such as program quality analysis, strategy, project control baseline, program hierarchy, code of accounts, and the contract's significance on the program.

Program Management and Control:

This category emphasizes providing the management team with the expertise to deliver the project most effectively.

Key elements include the project implementation and control plan (which outlines the typical stages in planning and funding, project information scope statement, control accounts, project control plan and basis, and program contingency management); as well as the program performance and control plan (which covers program progress and status procedures, program performance assessment, forecasting, program change management, contract claims and disputes, and project closeout).

In essence, Unit 38 offers a comprehensive overview of the planning and programming competencies required for infrastructure quantity surveying professionals. It covers the strategic aspects of project planning, the detailed development of project programs, and the management and control of these programs throughout the project lifecycle.

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Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified legal professional for any legal matters or concerns.