Long term benefits, does anyone create a Schedule Managment Plan for their major outages?

Recently I developed a comprehensive Schedule Management Plan for our past major outage. This includes everything from the software, version, linking logic rules to an activity code dictionary. Although the initial framework and development is time consuming the return on investment is almost immediate.

There are both short and long term benefits to the Schedule Management Plan document. The rationale is providing clear concise information regarding operating practices for schedulers to perform there activities with little or no ambiguity. Primarily a reference document for Schedulers, however managers and other stakeholders can also benefit by using as a manual for better understanding key definitions and relationship with in the schedule and/or reports.

Short term this provides a standard for schedulers to proficiently perform there duties while allowing the lead scheduler time to work on more value added initiatives.

Long term value includes a documented archive of the schedule development process and a template for future events. Further, I believe we often forget the "Bus Factor"...what is your lead scheduler retires, wins the LOTO or simply, quits.

Common components include:
  >  Consistent rules regarding schedule development
  > Consistent rules regarding schedule management philosophies
  >  Clearly defined understanding of activity codes - which to use, in what context and what they represent
  >  Straight forward logic regard activity relationship management
  >  Defined reporting structure
  >  Established Layout framework
  >  Established resources and role matrix
  > Clearly defined Activity, Duration and % Complete types
  > Updating expectations - from internal stakeholder groups and contractors
  > Updating expectations -  from software data input perspective  

Please visit the original  post aptly named  " Schedule Management Planning for success" - 24-MAR-11