Linear scheduling method

Linear Scheduling Method (LSM) is a graphical scheduling method focusing on continuous resource utilization in repetitive activities. It is believed that it originally adopted the idea of Line-Of-Balance method.

Application

LSM is used mainly in the construction industry to schedule resources in repetitive activities commonly found in highway, pipeline, high-rise building projects. These projects are called repetitive or linear projects. The main advantages of LSM over Critical Path Method (CPM) is its underlying idea of keeping resources continuously at work. In other words, it schedules activities in such a way that:

1. resource utilization is maximized;
2. interruption in on-going process is minimized, including hiring-and-firing; and
3. the effect of the learning curve phenomenon is minimized

These benefits are achieved in LSM by scheduling the start date of an activity at the date which will provide a continuous work flow for the resource. In contrast to CPM, this date is not necessarily the earliest possible start date of an activity.

Graphical presentation of LSM is also another advantage over the Critical Path Method when a project consists of repetitive activities.

See also

• List of project management topics
• Project
• Project management
• Project planning
• Work breakdown structure
• List of project management software

Further reading

• Robert B. Harris and Photios G. Ioannou Repetitive Scheduling Method
• David W. Johnston Linear Scheduling Method for Highway Construction