Assessing Understanding of Planning and Scheduling Theory and Practice on Construction Projects

Despite attention being paid to the development of planning and scheduling theory, it is unclear whether project stakeholders and practitioners have sufficient understanding about how it applies in practice. A study was conducted with the aim of assessing practitioners' perceptions of planning and scheduling theory and practice on construction projects in Oman. Data were gathered through a questionnaire-based survey and analyzed using the relative importance index. Respondents were asked to consider: (1) the suitability and efficiency of existing planning methods; (2) scheduling development and performance control; and (3) knowledge-based planning and scheduling concepts. The analysis revealed no significant variations among respondents' perceptions in regard to the above topics. The findings did, however, reveal a number of factors that are of equal importance to the development of project planning and scheduling. The overall findings imply that practicing managers should implement new management strategies that foster knowledge-based planning and scheduling concepts for a more effective construction process. Recommendations are made for improvement that include the need for practicing managers to professionalize project planning and scheduling based on a more proactive and knowledge-based planning approach, which is supported by management.