It demonstrates the interrelationship among tasks and identifies resources needed to produce analyses , documents , and decisions . A reasonable, well-thought out schedule will not only let everyone see and understand the decision process but will also help to shape the analyses and actions. Plan your schedule carefully and make sure it is realistic so that participants and the core team can stay on track toward a solution. Check back regularly . Computers are very useful to plan a schedule and keep track of where you are.
People tend to work on things with the closest deadline.
Thus, setting a tight schedule avoids procrastination and helps actually get things done. However, an impossible or a too tight schedule may invite risks of incomplete work or delays. Publics like to pounce on delays. A realistic schedule will be flexible enough to accommodate various stages of public awareness and involvement, diverse points of view, changes in study scope, alternatives, etc. Make sure that the schedule can handle delays, re-analyses, or other surprises along the way.