Yet, frequently this factor is not included in estimates of schedule cost, most likely, because, time standards are used for other purposes. Secondly, systems, which are most useful, generally cost more to operate. Thus, the proper cost statistic is not total dollar cost but rather cost per unit of utility or benefit. Cost per unit of utility or benefit is next to impossible to measure. Finally, cost depends largely on the size of the project and involves both fixed and variable costs.
All scheduling starts from a documentation of stated objectives.
The contract is normally the vehicle for identifying the stated objectives. While this is a start, in order to use the contract content in the day to day operation of the project, it must be restated internally. This can be accomplished by a well defined project plan, a work breakdown structure, and a work breakdown structure dictionary. A milestone represents a product or an event. A milestone that does not represent a meaningful product or event to the performer is worthless.