Budgeting and Scheduling Projects Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to project budgeting and scheduling, essential skills for effective project management. Designed for beginners, it covers key processes including resource estimation, activity duration, schedule development, and cost management. With a total time commitment of approximately 5 hours, learners will engage with structured modules that build practical skills through real-world applications. Each module combines concise instruction with hands-on exercises to reinforce understanding and prepare learners for real project challenges.

Module 1: Introduction to Budgeting and Scheduling

Estimated time: 0.3 hours

• Overview of course objectives and structure
• Introduction to key concepts in project budgeting and scheduling

Module 2: Resource Needs & Quality Management

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Decomposing work packages into activities
• Identifying resource needs for the project
• Assigning responsibilities using a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
• Introduction to quality management principles

Module 3: Estimating Activity Durations

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Techniques for estimating the duration of project activities
• Understanding factors that influence activity durations

Module 4: Developing the Project Schedule

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Defining project milestones and creating a milestone schedule
• Determining the critical path and calculating float
• Understanding the use of leads and lags in project schedules

Module 5: Project Budgeting

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Estimating quantities and costs of resources required for project activities
• Selecting appropriate cost estimating techniques to determine a project budget
• Developing a comprehensive project budget

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Create a complete project schedule using learned techniques
• Develop a detailed project budget
• Apply Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) and milestone planning

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic project management concepts
• No prior experience in budgeting or scheduling required
• Access to basic spreadsheet software for assignments

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Identify resource requirements and assign responsibilities using a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)
• Decompose work packages into activities and estimate activity durations
• Define project milestones and create a milestone schedule
• Determine the critical path and calculate float
• Estimate resource costs and develop a comprehensive project budget