Project scheduling is one of the most crucial aspects of the design phase. For WebRevive, a pharmaceutical website enhancement project, the goal is to increase engagement and add an e-commerce section to virtualize their pharmacy. Scheduling required meticulous planning to ensure a logical sequence of deliverables and realistic task durations. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the intricacies of project scheduling and how we structured the timeline for WebRevive.

Key Questions to Consider in Project Scheduling

1. What is the logical sequence of deliverable completion?
2. What are the realistic task durations for each deliverable?
3. What will be used to estimate accurate task durations?

1. Logical Sequence of Deliverable Completion

In scheduling the WebRevive project, prioritization was a key concept. We needed to determine the rank of importance of various work items against others. Key prioritized work items included:

• Product Photoshoot of OTC Medications: Required for the e-commerce section, which couldn't be developed without these assets.
• Development of the E-commerce Section: Dependent on product photos and needs to integrate with the existing website.

Prioritization Tips:

• Dependencies: Work items that are dependent on others should be completed first.
• Critical Path: Identify deliverables that will significantly impact the timeline if delayed.

2. Realistic Task Durations for Each Deliverable

Accurate estimation of task durations is essential for a feasible project schedule. For WebRevive:

• Integration of ChatGPT to the Website: Given the complexity, extra time was allotted to account for technical challenges.
• Questionnaire Development: Less time required due to the straightforward nature but required collaboration with pharmacists.

3. Estimating Accurate Task Durations

To ensure accurate estimations:

• Historical Data Analysis: Review past projects with similar tasks to estimate time required.
• Team Consultation: Leverage team expertise to refine task durations.

Snapshot of the Project Schedule for WebRevive:

1. Product Photoshoot: 2 weeks
2. Development of E-commerce Section: 4 weeks
3. Integration of ChatGPT: 6 weeks
4. Questionnaire Development: 2 weeks
5. Testing and QA: 3 weeks

Tips for Scheduling Accuracy:

• Underpromise and Overperform: Better to provide extra time and finish early than the opposite.
• Account for Issues: Ensure the timeline allows for possible challenges.

Technical Specification Document

A technical specification document provides a comprehensive blueprint for the WebRevive project. It includes:

1. Overview of the Project:
   • Objective: To enhance the website and add an e-commerce section.
2. Project Goals:
   • Increase user engagement.
   • Virtualize the pharmacy through an e-commerce section.
3. Project Schedule:
   • Timeline: Detailed task durations and milestones.
4. Deliverables:
   • List of all key deliverables, such as product photoshoot, questionnaire development, and e-commerce development.
5. Notable Risks:
   • Inadequate test data for ChatGPT integration.
   • Inaccurate symptom-medication matches in the questionnaire.
6. Risk Mitigation Plan:
   • ChatGPT Integration: Provide buffer time for troubleshooting.
   • Questionnaire: Implement pharmacist review for complex symptom-medication matches.
7. Dependencies:
   • Photoshoot required before e-commerce section development.
8. Technical Requirements:
   • Integration with existing systems.
   • Seamless user interface for e-commerce.

Conclusion

Project scheduling is vital for establishing a solid foundation. By prioritizing tasks, estimating realistic timelines, and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation, the WebRevive project will have a clear path toward success. The technical specification document serves as the project's anchor, ensuring alignment between all team members and stakeholders.

‍