A preliminary project schedule, also known as a Rough Project Schedule or initial project timeline, outlines the projected sequence of activities and critical milestones for a project. This planning tool provides a general overview of the project’s timeline and direction.
During this early planning stage, major project phases, critical tasks, and significant milestones are identified. These phases may include project initiation, requirements gathering, design and development, testing, implementation, and post-implementation review.
Each phase is represented by a broad timeframe, such as weeks or months, in the rough project schedule. This schedule plays a crucial role in setting the initial direction for the project and providing stakeholders with an estimated scope and duration of the project.
A preliminary project schedule highlights the order in which tasks and phases are dependent on each other. It indicates which activities must be finished before others can start. This helps to comprehend the logical sequence of the project and pinpoints potential bottlenecks or areas that require further planning.
While a preliminary project schedule lacks the comprehensive detail of a project plan, it still serves as a valuable starting point for conversations among project stakeholders. It provides a shared understanding of the project’s scope, estimated timeline, and overall sequence of events.
This is particularly useful in initial discussions with clients, team members, and executives as it enables alignment and allows for initial assessments of the project’s feasibility and potential challenges.
