DECISION CONSTRAINTS AND THEIR ROLE IN CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING WITH MICROSOFT PROJECT PLANNER

Abstract

This paper presents a library-based research investigating the application of early start and late start scheduling decisions within Microsoft Project. The study addresses whether literature supports scenarios where choosing either early or late start options results in superior schedule performance. Key scheduling processes, including the selection of start time constraints, significantly impact project outcomes. The research explores how planners can make better scheduling decisions by understanding the relative benefits of alternative start time options. Evidence from literature suggests that schedule variability, influenced by these choices, strongly correlates with project productivity. Contractors are therefore encouraged to continuously monitor scheduling practices and relate them to project performance, identifying effective strategies for future projects. The paper highlights that failure to properly address start time constraints in network scheduling methods may produce inaccurate schedules, especially given the inevitable changes in construction projects caused by factors such as weather, owner-directed changes, information delays, unexpected site conditions, supply lead times, and rework. These disruptions often cascade, affecting start dates of succeeding activities and challenging schedule coordination. Meeting practical scheduling requirements—such as ensuring activities begin only when all prerequisites are fulfilled—is crucial. The study concludes that a thorough understanding of tasks impacted by typical delay causes enables planners to select appropriate start dates, proactively minimizing disruptions. Reducing start delays, particularly for critical activities, increases the likelihood of completing projects on schedule and within optimal cost