This document describes Constellation, a method for complex project scheduling. Constellation simplifies schedule management through a decentralized model that reduces alignment between processes while improving transparency. It links existing planning systems to promote collaboration and responsibility. Constellation uses predefined processes and tools like a scheduling and reporting system to exchange information between a leading unit overseeing a project and participating units responsible for deliverables.

2. CONSTELLATION A Method to Complex Project Scheduling Zsolt PUTNOKY PrimaConsulting Senior Consultant

3. Constellation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constellation “ Is group of celestial bodies (usually stars) that appear to form a pattern in the sky or appear visibly related to each other” http://hubblesite.org/

4. Constellation Cancelled, On-going, Done

5. Constellation Why? Global market Short duration Increased competition Multicultural environment

6. Constellation What? Reduce process alignment to the minimum Liberate resources Create more dynamic environment Increase visibility & data reliability Simplified and streamlined reporting

7. Constellation How? Rely on predefined processes and systems Link existing planning systems Simplify and automates processes Promote collaboration & responsibility Increase schedule flexibility

8. "Management means helping people to get the best out of themselves, not organizing things." (Lauren Appley)

9. Controlling Approaches Centralized Management

10. Controlling Approaches De-centralized Management Advantages Disadvantages Relatively low start-up cost Clashes in policies Flexibility & Reactivity Duplicated resources Increased responsability Co-location of several systems Scaling to local needs Multivendor (IT) Increased system reliability

11. Constellation Method The elements Processes Corporate policies Project processes Tools Scheduling system Reporting system People Project Managers Planners & Schedulers

12. Constellation Method The Actors LU = Leading Unit Facing the Client Responsible for the project PU = Participating Unit Its client is the LU Hidden from Client Responsible for a deliverable CLIENT LU PU PU LU PU

13. Constellation Method The Process (based on William Edwards Deming’s cycle) Leading Unit Participating Unit Connection by Constellation

14. “ Choreography is the art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choreography

15. Constellation Method Processes - Delegation Leading Unit Master Project Schedule Participating Unit Detailed Project Schedule

16. Constellation Method Processes – Update Delegation Budget or duration change by Leading Unit. Duration over-run by Participating Unit. Update depends on acceptance by parties. Participating Unit Detailed Project Schedule Contractual project duration Duration overrun

17. Constellation Method Processes – Recall Delegation Delegation recalled by Leading Unit. Contractual relationship cancelled. Link between schedules cut. Remaining unit set to 0 (manual / auto). Detailed project schedule archived. Undo delegation Delegation

18. Constellation Method Processes – Progress Update Data date Leading Unit Master Schedule Participating Unit Detailed Project Schedule Delegation Progress Update

19. Constellation Method Processes – Project Connection Information Demanded Information Provided Participating Unit 2 Providing information Participating Unit 2 Demanding information Leading Unit Controlling & Brokering

20. Constellation Software Semi automatic processes Controlling schedule structure Simplifies data integration Reducing operator error Provides data exchange history www.primafrance.com

21. Constellation Conclusion De-centralized model drawbacks reduced Schedule management simplified Improving transparency Reducing process alignment Rapid IT implementation

22. Constellation Conclusion www.primafrance.com SIMPLE: Integrated on top of the project management processes as well as the planning system ROBUST: Designed to transfer and synchronise information easily across the globe SAFE: Information exchanged over the network is encrypted; each user can verify the incoming information and decide to accept or reject QUICK: to implement, as CONSTELLATION is using industry standard processes

23. "A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline." (Harvey Mackay)

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