IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE)

e-ISSN: 2278-1684,p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 12, Issue 3 Ver. III (May. - Jun. 2015), PP 57-63
www.iosrjournals.org

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

(Case Study of a building in India)
P M Wale1, N D. Jain2, N R Godhani2, S R Beniwal2, A A Mir2
1

Assistant Professor (Civil, Sinhgad Institute of Technology & Science, India)

2
Student (Civil, Sinhgad Institute of Technology & Science, India)

Abstract : Every one of us is a manager of projects of our own life. From a house wife to an employee to
financial analyst, from banker to doctor, from engineer to administrator, from a teacher to a student, we all
work on different tasks with deadlines. Regardless of our occupation, norms, or location in an organization, we
all work on tasks that are eclectic and involve people who do not usually work together. The project may have a
simple goals that does not require many people or a great deal of money or it may be quite complex, calling for
diverse skills and plethora of resources. But the bottom line is that every one of us manages projects. Owing to
this the purpose of dealing with the project should not be only execution but effective and efficient execution of
project is essential which is needed to be highlighted. Construction Firms in India, Construct the Projects in a
Traditional ways, this sometimes proves Uneconomical & Tedious too. Traditional way also proves to be Time
Consuming and Confusing. The presented work will provide them an Opportunity to clearly observe the
difference between the Microsoft Project (MSP) and the Traditional Planning Techniques which speeds up
Construction and also make the Project Cost Effective with Proper Planning with the help of the case study on
the single wing of project executed in Pune, Maharashtra, India. For finding out various aspects that proves
efficient planning & execution of the project, disparate methodologies adopted and to find out remedial
measures, international journal papers were referred. Methodology adopted includes defining of problem
statement, insinuating the objectives from the data collected in two part viz. Primary data and secondary,
analyzing the data and finally coming to the conclusion.
Keywords Microsoft Project, Project Management, Planning, Construction Organization, Activities

I.

Introduction

Project Management is the Application of knowledge, skills and Techniques to project activities to
meet project requirements. It is a strategic ability to do something successfully for organizations, enabling them
to patch the project results to Organizational goals and thus, better compete in their markets. It can be also
defined as the process and activity of planning, organizing, inspiring, and controlling resources, procedures and
protocols to achieve specific goals in scientific or daily problems. A project is a temporary aim designed to
produce a special product, service or result with a defined starting and end (usually time-constrained, and often
constrained by funding or deliverables), undertaken to meet eccentric goals and objectives, typically to bring
about beneficial change or added value. The temporary nature of projects stands in contrast with business as
usual (or operations), which are recurring, permanent, or semi-permanent functional activities to produce
products or services. In implementation, the management of these two systems is often quite distinct, and as
such requires the development of divergent technical skills and management strategies. It has always been
practiced casually, but began to evolve as a prime profession in the mid-20th century.
1.1 Importance of Project Management
Project gets started at the right way but as it proceeds further, gets off the track. Owing to this its
important to manage the activities in the right way, thus project management plays a vital role in arranging the
critical activities of the project which is called as task to function in the appropriate way. Project Management
aid the project in better efficiency to deliver services.
1.2 Traditional Approach to Project Management in Construction Sector
A traditional phased approach identifies a sequence of steps to be completed. In the "traditional
approach", five developmental components of a project can be distinguished:
Initiation
Planning & Designing
Execution and Construction
Monitoring and controlling systems
Completion
DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

57 | Page

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

Not all projects will have every stage, as projects can be aborted before they reach completion. Some
projects do not follow a hierarchical planning or supervising the process. And some projects will go through
steps 2, 3 and 4 multiple times.
It has been found that most of that most of the small scale construction organization in India uses
Microsoft Excel with the main Categories of summaries of activities shown. Unique colors are chosen for
representing the process of the activities, this lead to the confusion and complexibility in execution of main
substructures and super structure activities.

Fig.1. Sample representation of Construction Activities using Microsoft Excel.

1.3 About Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a project management software program developed and sold by Microsoft, which
is designed to assist a project manager in developing a plan, assigning resources to tasks, tracking progress,
managing the budget, and analyzing workloads.
Project creates budgets based on assignment work and resource cost. As resources are assigned to the
task and the program calculates the cost equal to the work times the rate, which rolls up to the task level and
then to any summary tasks level and finally to the project level. Resource definitions (Labour, equipment and
materials) can be shared between projects using a shared resource pond. Each resource can have its individual
calendar, which defines what days and time is resource present. Resource rates are used to calculate resource
assignment costs. Each resource can be assigned to multiple tasks in multiple projects and each task can be
assigned numerous resources. The execution of the scheduled task work based on the resource availability as
defined in the resource calendars. All resources can be defined in Work, Material and Cost. Therefore it cannot
estimate how many finished products can be obtained with a given amount of raw materials. This makes
Microsoft Project unsuitable for solving problems of available materials constrained production.
The application creates critical path schedules, and critical chain and event chain methodology thirdparty plug-ins are also obtainable. Schedules can be resource leveled, and task networks are visualized in
a Gantt chart. Additionally, Microsoft Project can identify divergent classes of the users. These different classes
of users can have differing access levels to projects, views, and other data. Customization of aspects in
Microsoft Project such as calendars, views, tables, filters, and fields are stored in an enterprise global which is
accessible by all users.

II.

Brief Overview Of Literature

Young Hoon Kwak & Frank T. Anbari (2008) observed that the ranking of occurrences of the eight
allied project management disciplines from most to the least appeared subjects over the last 50 years are:- (1)
Strategy/Portfolio Management; (2) Operations Research/Decision Sciences; (3) Organizational Behavior/
Human Resources Management; (4) Information Technology/Information Systems; (5) Technology
Applications/Innovation; (6) Performance Management/Earned Value Management; (7) Engineering and
Construction; and (8) Quality Management/Six Sigma.
They also concluded that project management shouldnt only be studied in academics but we should deal it in
every domain of life in practical ways both reflection on action and reflection in action.
Vittal Anantatmula (2010) found out that Similar to a traditional project, managing an academic
degree is related to the triple constraints of time, cost, and scope. It is concluded that by applying project
management concepts, tools, and techniques, undergraduate degree program advising and planning can be
improved after comparing the planning aspects of a conventional business project with the planning of an
DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

58 | Page

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

academic degree. Author also helps to explain the application of project planning techniques to manage the
multiple constraints and the complexity associated with academic advising and planning.
R. Prabhahar and G. Ravichandran (2014) analyzed that; Construction planning is an important part
of the overall management process. The planning and management includes organizing the work, executing
the work, correlating plan and progress information and controlling the work, the three inter-related factors of
time, money and quality need to be managed in a proper way. Completion of many of the projects nowadays
is not in estimated duration. This will direct to an increase in overheads as well as various other factors. It will
not only reduce the expected revenues but also will affect the reputation of the contractor. Scheduling is one
of the vital functions in construction project to determine the sequence of activities necessary to complete a
project.
Hoang, Nhat Minh Shrestha, Swostik (2014) hinted that the main function of a software is to offer
help, and enhance the quality of output with less effort than manual ways. A project has disparate
requirements and the aim of the adopted software is to fulfill those requirements effectively in terms of time
and cost. In addition, the issues of scheduling, tracking and physical element must be considered while
adopting the project management software.
Aftab Hameed Memon and Ismail Abdul Rahman (2014) suggested that time is the biggest element
that every contractor has to deal with while practicing the construction activities. Variety of approaches and
tools has been introduced over the past decades to cherish the management of the projects. Author identified
commonly used techniques and software of time management together with their effectiveness level in large
construction projects. Data was collected from the construction organization that deals with huge projects.
Relative Importance Index calculation was employed to assess the level of effectiveness for time management
techniques and software packages adopted in the construction project. The results depicts that most common
and effective time management technique and software Package are CPM and Microsoft Project respectively.
Although this techniques are brought into practice but practitioners did not accomplished the goals of
respective organization.

III.

Research Methodology

Fig.2. Flowchart Showing Research Methodology adopted.

1.4 Problem Statement
Nowadays, almost every construction industry in India is experiencing delay problem. The problem
occurs from various reasons; the extensive sources are caused by the construction activity which has been
executed not according to planning and scheduling efficiently decided before actual execution of the project.
Apparently, contractor will require time extension to accomplish the project. The Extension of time will be
given to the delay in problem not caused due to lack of proper care (incautious, unaware) and mistake by the
contractor, but it's normally caused by major forces such as inconvenience in supplying construction materials,
variation order (VO) by customer owing to the nature disaster such as rainy season. Regarding to the extension
of time in a project life, it will incur the cost increase to both associates, either the client or contractors.
DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

59 | Page

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

The extension of time (EOT) given to the contractor does not cause inconvenience or error to
contractor, if party is facing the problem, therefore they should be responsible and bare the extra cost due the
procrastinations of the problems. As a consequence, the time will stretch, cost will increase and henceforth the
quality of the project will degrade.
Furthermore, as the construction industry become more stringent and expand in growth, as a
consequences it's is difficult to the project manager to monitor and control abortion caused by ineffectiveness in
scheduling and inadequacy of construction information.
Accordingly planning and scheduling need to implement satisfactorily and carefully with the purpose
of accomplish the project successfully within time, cost and quality required.
In addition, as the project increase in size, the construction's activities become more adamant. As a
sequence, the conflict in activities sequence occurred due to inefficient planning and scheduling. In order to
accelerate, it is important to focus on every aspect of construction activities before commencing its. The
planning and scheduling efficiency depends on the methodology used. To achieve the goals of a project will be
meaningless if the method used is not appropriate.
As we know, the project scheduling is very important in project's life, unfortunately not many civil
engineer experts exercises implementation and applications of Microsoft Project in construction project. On
other hand side, currently the contractors who used traditional method (Bar Chart in Microsoft Excel) still lead
the highest rank compared to the modern software. Although the modern and efficient software ease most of
contractor burden in producing accurate and effective planning and scheduling, most small contractors still
could not use it due to expensive and high price.
1.5 Research Objective
Basically this thesis will conduct an exploratory study on implementation of Microsoft Project in every
aspect of a project which comprise of Planning and Scheduling stage followed by the Monitoring and
Controlling stage. In this regards, in term of construction management, this dissertation is written for the
objectives listed below:
1. To study the scheduling technique using network models (CPM).
2. To reduce the total duration then the actual executed projects duration (Case Study).
3. Ease of work for the Labour.
4. To reduce the cost by proper allocation of resources.
1.6 Searching Information
1.6.1
Literature Review
1.6.1.1 Reference Book
Project management body of knowledge was used to understand the many concepts and technical
definitions regarding project management. Few book for the reference of Microsoft project like Project
Management Using Microsoft Project 2013: A Training and Reference Guide for Project Managers Using
Standard, Professional, Server, Web Application and Project Online to understand the functioning of software.
1.6.1.2 Journal/Magazines
Many International Journal viz. Indian Journal of research, Science Direct, IOSR for Mechanical and
Civil engineering were referenced to perceive the knowledge regarding past development in Project
Management and software which are optimizing the efficiency of project.
1.6.1.3 Internet
Plethora of information was gathered from internet with respect to the problems mainly occurred while
executing the project in India and also how those problems are tackled with the enormous application of the
Microsoft Project.
1.6.2

Study Case
In order to get the clear view of difference between the traditional way of Project Management and
Modern way of managing the project with the help of software called as Microsoft Project the actual example
was taken from the Construction organization in Pune, India that uses that uses the Microsoft Excel for the
Scheduling and Execution of the project.

DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

60 | Page

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

1.6.2.1 Interview
The interview was arranged with the Senior Engineer and Project Coordinator of the respective
Construction Organization in Pune, India to identify the Problem they had occurred during the actual execution
of the project like Duration, Resource Over allocation, Labour fatigue due to overtime of the work, reaching of
threshold limit due to working of Labour during holidays etc. Also to know the arrangement of activities they
had used while executing a building project.
1.7 Data Collection
Data like the Activities Starting Date, Finish Date, Duration of Activities and their Delays,
Relationship of Activities and task, Amount of Resources used for the Activities etc. was collected from the
Construction Organization of Pune, India to analogize the data and make the data use in the Microsoft Project
with the proper changes were made
1.8 Data Analysis
The main activities from the data collected from organization was divided into sub activities for the
proper functioning of the project and identification of the Parallel activities, Slacks and crushing of Non-Critical
activities was recognized from the given data and appropriate alterations were made to meet the goals of the
research.

IV.

Analytical Facts And Results

1.9 Scheduling technique using network models

With the help of Microsoft Project, its easily to understand and visualize the flow and network of the
project. One can easily see the Critical Path which is the Longest Path of the Project, Parallel Activities, Slack
which is also called as Total Float of the Activity can be visualized, Relation between activities is understood by
networking. Owing to this there are fewer obligations while executing and project and right measure can be
taken easily.

Fig.3. Networking of the Activities by Critical Path Method.

1.10 Reduction in the Total Duration of the Project
Microsoft Project gives a clear view to understand the project easily. After making proper alteration by
using the slacks of parallel activity and crushing the parallel activities the duration of the project has been shown
in Graphical form comparing the day required by traditional way and by use of Microsoft Project. The Graph
clear indicates that duration to complete the project by Microsoft Project is less than the Traditional Method
obtained from the data of Case Study.

DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

61 | Page

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

Fig. Comparison of Duration between Traditional & Microsoft Project Method of Planning.
1.11

Ease of work for Labour

By providing all the governmental holidays of India workers, it makes good environment for Labour to
work in the organization. While on other hand, making workers to work for fix timing 9AM to 6PM with one
hour of break helps stress free surrounding for workers which makes them willingly work on the field.

Fig.4. Showing the Calendar of Project with Holidays and Working time.
1.12

Reduction in the overall Cost of the Project

Proper analysis of the Resources and allocating them without being over allocated is possible using
Microsoft Project. By using the fewer Resources where slack time is enough available helps to reduce the cost
of the project by 2% of overall cost of the Traditional way of Management.

DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

62 | Page

Planning and Scheduling of Project using Microsoft Project

V.

Conclusion

Construction of building using Traditional way proves to be uneconomical and consumes more time
with many complexibility and enormous error which actual execution of the Project. Traditional way of
planning doesnt sub divide the main task which future gets the hurdle of over allocation of resources, improper
judgment of resources for particular activities etc. Microsoft Project is the modern tool of Project Management
that aid to overcome the obstacles faced owing to traditional way of Planning and Management. It helps for the
optimum and effective organization of activities which helps to give the vision to complete the project in
planned duration and within the Economy.

References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]

Planning & scheduling by using Microsoft project: a case study of suggestion for construction and completion the science
department for university islam antarabangsa Malaysia, Bandar indera mahkota,kuatan, Pahang by Mohd Johari Bin Othman
A Project Management approach using Erp and Primavera in construction industries by Miss
A A. LAKADE, Prof. A K.Gupta, Prof. D B. Desai
Project Planning Techniques for Academic Advising and Learning by Vittal Anantatmula Projects and Their Management by Guru
Prakash Prabhakar
MS PROJECT for construction schedulers (2011) by Ron Winter, PSP, F. Burak Evrenosoglu Analyzing project management
research: Perspectives from top management journals by Young Hoon, Kwak, Frank T. Anbari
Optimal planning and scheduling in multi-storied building by R.Prabhahar,G.ravichandran Project management software and its
utilities (2014) by Hoang, Nhat Minh Shrestha, Swostik Central Public Works Department Analysis of Rates Delhi
MAHARASHTRA JEEVAN PRADHIKARAN schedule of rates for the year 2012-13
Project Management Body of Knowledge (2000) edition

DOI: 10.9790/1684-12335763

www.iosrjournals.org

63 | Page