Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version first released with BSB07 Business Services Training Package Version 8.0.

Replaces BSBPMG503A Manage project time.

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Determine project schedule

1.1 Develop the work breakdown structure  with sufficient detail to enable effective planning and control

1.2 Estimate the duration and effort, sequence and dependencies  of tasks to achieve project deliverables

1.3 Use project-scheduling tools and techniques  to identify schedule impact  on project time management, resource requirements, costs and risks

1.4 Contribute to achieving an agreed schedule baseline  and communication of the schedule to stakeholders

2. Implement project schedule

2.1 Implement mechanisms to measure, record and report progress of activities in relation to the agreed schedule

2.2 Conduct ongoing analysis to identify baseline variance

2.3. Analyse and forecast the impact of changes to the schedule

2.4 Review progress throughout the project life cycle and implement agreed schedule changes 

2.5 Develop responses to potential or actual schedule changes and implement them to maintain project objectives

3. Assess time-management outcomes

3.1 Review schedule performance records  to determine the effectiveness of time-management activities

3.2 Identify and document time-management issues and recommend improvements

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• demonstrated successful application of time-management tools and techniques for a project of sufficient complexity to demonstrate the full range of performance requirements
• knowledge of time-management methodologies, and their capabilities, limitations, application and outcomes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to workplace documentation, schedules and reports from project team
• consideration of feedback from project stakeholders regarding the management of project time.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skill and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of strategies for managing project time and their application in different situations
• analysis of responses in addressing case studies and scenarios that present project time-management issues and problems
• review of progress throughout project life cycle; and review of implementation of agreed schedule changes
• assessment of documented time-management issues and recommended improvements.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Work breakdown structure  may include:

• activity and task descriptors
• high-level deliverables framework
• multi-level task granulation
• work breakdown task dictionary.

Estimating the duration and effort  may include:

• allowance for contingency and risk
• availability of resources and supplies
• degree of variation
• expert opinion
• level of accuracy
• prior project history
• regulations and standards governing resource performance
• top-down or bottom-up estimating.

Sequence and dependencies  may include:

• deliverable milestones
• preferred, logical or required order of task completion
• relationship between tasks impacting on start and finish times and dates.

Project-scheduling tools and techniques  may include:

• bar charts
• conducting or supervising qualitative and/or quantitative time analysis, such as schedule simulation, decision analysis, contingency planning and 'what if' scenarios
• critical chain management
• critical path diagrams
• Gantt charts
• project schedule network diagrams
• standalone, organisation-integrated or cloud-based software tools
• using personal experience and/or subject matter experts
• using specialist time-analysis tools to assist in the decision-making process.

Schedule impact  may include:

• accuracy of estimates
• advances or delays in task completion
• changes to project risk
• changes to resources and cost
• degree of change to baseline
• relevance of task dependencies.

Schedule baseline  may include:

• assigned responsibility
• assigned schedule-management responsibilities
• charted milestones
• contingency plans
• project schedule and sub-schedules
• critical path analysis
• resource assignment to task
• schedule-management strategies and actions.

Agreed schedule changes  may include:

• applied constraints
• changing objectives
• changing scope
• delayed or advanced task completion
• resource availability.

Review of schedule performance  may occur at:

• agreed major milestones, e.g. phases and subcontracts
• change of key personnel
• completion of major deliverables
• finalisation of project and other agreed milestones.

Records  may include:

• diaries, incident logs, occurrence reports and other such records
• evaluation of options
• Gantt, PERT and other scheduling charts
• lists of variances and forecasts of potential scheduled events
• project and/or organisation files and records
• recommended and approved courses of action
• records of analysis
• work breakdown structure.