The function of Planning and Scheduling is to provide a time control tool for effective Project Management.

In other words, the integration of the efforts of engineering, procurement, and construction is to achieve optimum project execution.

The method of integration basically is to define those activities and their sequential relationships necessary to achieve the project goals.

Subsequently resources and durations are assigned to the execution plan and all the critical activities are determined. Thus a logical realistic working document is produced.

The project controls approach will be stated in an early phase of the project by assignment of a “project control manager/coordinator” to the projects.

The cost and time schedule control will function in close cooperation and coordination with engineering disciplines, so that all parties involved will be committed to the established time plans and budgets. Another aspect of the cost and time schedule control is strong emphasis on integration of all phases of the project, from basic engineering through design, procurement, construction, pre commissioning and commissioning.

During the life cycle of a project a variety of schedules will be prepared and implemented. These schedules reflect different requirements and level of detail needed during each phase.

A) Project initial schedule (PIS): covering early activities of the project.

B) Project master schedule (PMS): an upper level schedule in Bar Chart format showing overall time frame of the project and key milestones.

C) Project Detailed schedule (PDS): A network CPM based schedule showing criticality of the activities in terms of total and free floats. Network Schedule is prepared using state of art software like Primavera Project Planning (P3).
Microsoft based software like Microsoft Office Project Server and Microsoft Project Professional can also be implemented in Project based Client preferences and requirements.

D) Project auxiliary schedule (PAS): Lowest Level outlining individual deliverables

In principle, all controls will be executed at the most detailed level of the work to be done, i.e., monitoring individual drawings and deliverables, requisitions and purchase orders and detailed construction activities.

Close monitoring and control of the activities are of great and vital importance so that proper and timely completion of the project can be ensured. Such a monitoring and control is implemented by means of the followings:
- Weekly / Monthly review of the project Progress.
- Measurement of actual progress achieved versus planned progress
- Analysis of the string of critical activities , and countermeasures to overcome and recover the slippage and delays
- Analysis of any changes in the scope of work and supply and consequential schedule impacts.