New tools for dynamic schedule visualization Dr. Jim Black

Outline of presentation Why visualization matters Ad hoc solutions Fit-for-purpose tools

Important conversations Build, validate, and sell plans Gather actuals and update plans Analyze variances Weigh changes Persuade others to make changes Underlined conversations are quicker and higher-quality with custom pictures Recall an infamous series of project conversations …

Complexity, visualization, and quality

What the engineers used in their meeting Graph that they did not see until later Complexity, visualization, and quality Forecasted Launch Temperature Risky Trend in O-Ring Damage Vs. Temperature

Pictures get results Use custom pictures to converse on: How things work Big picture Progress Risks Resources Recommendations for next steps

Dynamic project: at kickoff

Dynamic project: in trouble

Dynamic project: mitigation

Outline of presentation Why visualization matters Ad hoc solutions Fit-for-purpose tools

Ad hoc solutions to schedule visualization Capture MS Project screen Build chart by hand in PowerPoint or Visio

Ad hoc schedule visualization– captured view Filter in MS Project, capture screen, paste into PowerPoint:  inflexible  tedious  hard to focus  hard to standardize

Ad hoc solutions to schedule visualization Capture MS Project screen Build chart by hand in PowerPoint or Visio

Ad hoc visualization- Hand-drawn PowerPoint Visio Integration  flexible  tedious  error-prone  hard to update  hard to standardize

Ad hoc visualization- Hand-drawn Visio Visio charts  flexible  tedious  error-prone  hard to update  hard to standardize

Outline of presentation Why visualization matters Ad hoc solutions Fit-for-purpose tool  OnePager Pro (for MS Project)

Demonstration of OnePager OnePager Pro (addin for MS Project)

Multi-project example

Milestone-only example

Multi-project example

Comments, links, and critical path

Curtain example

Baselines and embedded graphics

Demo sample

“Ribbon” example

Phase-organization example

Single-ribbon example

Fit-for-purpose schedule visualization tools Advantages of the OnePager tools:  Large time savings for presenter  Faster focus of everyone’s attention on key issues  Reliability of picture (ties with your data)  Visual tracking of changes (snapshots)  Customizable views: baseline, critical path, risks, resources, categories, phases,....  Standardization across projects and departments