I AM WORKING ON A CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING USING MS PROJECT , IS THERE ANY TIME STANDARD FOR THE ACTIVITIES IN CONSTRUCTION THAT WE CAN USE INSTEAD OF GUESSING .....THE TIME SPAN FOR EACH ACTIVITY ...BY SQ M OR CU M ....
I always thnk that only african likes to use capital words, but one from canada also uses such manner.
it maybe very importantquestion.
I hvnt used this software for a long time, but still remember a lttle and can discuss.
you can draw gantt graphic for you plan, you neednt guess, just use critical path method to calculate the optimum routine. this is so called pert. so that you can adjust time span optimum for each action.
but if your guess concern to statistic, I think excel software will be good at it, because the project98 hant good calculation tools.( I dont know the newest version).
Most major construction companies have their own databases of "standard activity duration" based on their own experience. These are used until the construction subcontractors provide their own schedules for the subcontracted work. Normally a subcontract calls for the subcontractor to produce a detailed network schedule within 30 days of subcontract award as a deliverable to the prime contractor.
The situation you are describing is why there is a difference between a "scheduler" and a "planner/scheduler." The former is an expert in manipulating the software to produce a representation of the work; the latter manipulips the software and understands the nature of the work being represented by the software. The understanding is usually the result of experience doing the work, or at least observing the work being performed.
In the absence of a "planner/scheduler," your best option is to talk to the people who are going to preform the work and ask them how long it takes and how many people it takes to perform the various tasks. The condtruction craft supervisors know the answers to your questions. You have to find a way to get them to open up and tell you what they know.