SCHEDULE ANALYSIS
Schedule Analysis supports schedule development and execution by applying best practices and lessons
learned into how an Integrated Master Schedule is planned, developed, executed, and controlled.
The Challenge
Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) are required on capital investment programs and major contracts, and when
Earned Value Management (EVM) is required. Credible
schedules are dependent on expertise in scheduling methodologies, comprehensive long-term planning, situational
awareness on the organizations environment, and an ability to synthesize acquisition data.
The best Program Management practices rely on a combination of IMS and performance measurement. The latest
formalized approach makes use of data from the Integrated
Program Management Report (IPMR) as a means of providing cost and schedule performance data with technical
performance measures. This management report is needed to better allocate time-phased resources among capital
programs, which are competing for scarce resources. The
information is used to manage the trade-off space by estimating program completion dates, determining the order
of work and identifying what work can be done in parallel.
Estimate to complete cost and the associated level of funding required can be determined from a full resource-loaded
schedule. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulation can deter-
MCR experts improve the accuracy,
completeness and reliability of
Integrated Master Schedules
and ensure that they
properly feed the
management process.
RELATED MCR SERVICES
(Often performed in conjunction
with Schedule Analysis)

Cost estimating

Acquisition Implementation

Financial

Business Case Analysis

Performance
Measurement

Earned Value
Procurement
Strategy


Program Baseline and
Milestone Reviews

Risk and Opportunity
Management

Test Planning and Test
Readiness Assessments
Analysis
Integrated Master Schedules that are
well-constructed, credible, and controlled
ensure successful program execution
and supply needed information for
efficient and effective resource allocation.1
mine the confidence of meeting the schedule in terms of
cost and time. The IMS is used throughout the acquisition
process to plan, execute and monitor the progress towards
meeting program objectives.
1
Image from Sample IMS, Acquisition Notes (AcqNotes) Website, Program Managers
Guide, http://www.acqnotes.com, 701 S Woods Avenue Fullerton CA 92832.
Our Response
By identifying potential problem areas earlier, we provide
improved situational awareness, thereby helping customers avoid schedule overruns, missed deadlines and
performance shortfalls. MCR personnel know how
to draw upon cost and schedule performance data,
which combined with technical performance measures available from Integrated Master Schedules,
supplies the information needed to better allocate
resources in support of the acquisition process.
MCR constantly invests in the skills and capabilities of our
schedule experts, instilling in-house best practices while providing training for how to use our vendors’ latest tools. We
foster multiple channels of client communication and mentor
and aid our customers on scheduling methodologies. When
it comes to integrating program management, our experts
help customers to “connect the dots.”
Defense | Energy | Information Management | National Security | Space | Transportation MCRI.com
MCR Schedule Analysis
Our Methods
PEOPLE
Successful schedule development and execution require the use of a mature, refined process, combined with the requisite tools and personnel.
MCR Schedule Analysis professionals provide expertise in scheduling
methodologies and long-term planning, as well as an ability to provide
foresight and insight into the challenges which may arise on a program.
Our approach ensures that Integrated Master Schedules integrate cost
and schedule performance data with technical performance measures.
PROCESSES We have created repeatable and proven processes to support the development of comprehensive, well-constructed, credible and
controlled schedules including the steps shown below:
Our personnel have in-depth experience supporting Integrated Master Schedules development and
execution, and hold related certifications:



PMI-SP (Scheduling
Professional)
AACEI-CST (Certified
Scheduling Technician)
Microsoft Project
Primavera
Certification
 Certified Deltek
Open Plan Professional (OPP)

POLICY & GUIDANCE



GAO Cost Estimating
and Assessment Guide
GAO Schedule Assessment Guide (Draft)
National Defense
Industrial Association
(NDIA) Planning &
Scheduling Excellence
Guide (PASEG)



USAF Generally Accepted Scheduling
Principles (GASP)
DoD IMS data item
description DI-MGMT-81650
DoD IPMR data item
description DI-MGMT-81861
TOOLS
ANALYSIS


Polished, mature processes performed by professionally certified
scheduling experts resulting in the development of comprehensive,
well-constructed, credible and controlled schedules.
The MCR Difference
SCHEDULE ANALYSIS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK
OF INTEGRATED PROGRAM MANAGEMENT



SAFRAN
Proteus
Steelray Project
Analyzer
Acumen Fuse
Critical Tools
WBS Chart Pro
Critical Tools
PERT Chart
DEVELOPMENT
SAFRAN



Project
Primavera
Microsoft
Project
Deltek
Open Plan
RISK ANALYSIS






RiskyProject
Primavera
Risk
Palisade @
Risk
Acumen Risk
Active Risk
Manager
Deltek Risk+
Critical Thinking.
Solutions Delivered.
MCR approaches every step of Integrated Program Management (IPM) with
a focus on customer success. Our disciplined process begins with strategy and analysis, followed by rigorous systematic execution, and ends with
measurable, real-world results. Schedule Analysis is integral in our IPM approach, and is performed in conjunction with other MCR services such as
business case analysis, program baselines, and
CUSTOMERS
earned value management. With MCR, customWe have delivered
ers have confidence that their schedules are
thousands of schedule
accurate, complete and reliable. They are further
analyses and are
assured that Integrated Master Schedules properly feed the resource management process, alrecognized as an
unbiased honest-broker
lowing the customer to better allocate budget resources among capital programs competing for
partner.
budget resources.
DoD

Civilian Agencies

Intelligence Community

NATO

Industry
Founded in 1977, MCR provides the highest quality schedule analysis, strategic planning, acquisition management, and program assessment solutions to the government. Our integrated
approach expands the range of lifecycle services to customers through comprehensive and
credible analytical processes, strategies, and tools. Contact MCR to learn more about our
Schedule Analysis and IPM services, and how we can leverage over 35 years of service to
make your next project a success.
Corporate Headquarters | 2010 Corporate Ridge Ste. 350 | McLean, VA 22102 | 703.506.4600 MCRI.com