by S D Rios

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 13, 2007

By following some simple steps, you can help ensure that your project is completed on time!

1. Start at the end. What is the absolute deadline for the project?
2. Break the project down into miniprojects. If this were a committee project (or is one), what would each member be assigned?
3. Create a time estimate for each miniproject. How long will it take to complete each task well and with reasonable effort? Create a large card for each miniproject including the time estimate and the details of the project. Include details on contacting the person in charge of this aspect of the project if there is one.

4. Put the miniprojects in order. What needs to be planned first before other miniprojects can be completed? For example, a wedding venue needs to be reserved before the decorations are planned since you need to know the size and characteristics of the venue for this.
5. Select a start date and work backward from the absolute deadline for total completion, making a timeline for the completion of the miniprojects.
6. Make a visual timeline calendar for the project and post it in a very visible location that you can consult each day. If this is a team project, make a chart for each or post this one in your common work space. Make a long timeline chart divided into weeks or days, depending on the urgency of the project. Label each miniproject as a bracket of time on the timeline, reflecting the length of time needed to complete it.
7. As miniprojects are completed or as you run into difficulties, revise the timeline without changing the absolute completion date. Which tasks can be done a bit more quickly to allow more time for something else? If you have extra time, what can be started earlier than anticipated.

By breaking a large project down into miniprojects, working back from an absolute completion date, visualizing the time frame for each part of the project, and revising the timeline without shifting the end date, you can complete any project on time and in a satisfactory manner!

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