November 8, 2024

The Importance of Art and Science In Scheduling Complex Construction Projects

In modern construction, scheduling is the cornerstone of effective project management. It defines parameters and activities and, if done well, sets a project up for success.

Lidiar Group’s Candy Lopez is an Associate Engineer who has built a career mixing science and art to create schedules that support major projects across renewables, oils and gas, industrial and energy projects.

For our latest blog, Candy shares her experience across multiple projects and outlines the importance of art and science in scheduling complex works.

“As our tools and datasets have evolved, so too have our capabilities to produce more complex, precise, and adaptable schedules,” said Candy.

“Yet, the essence remains: every successful schedule begins with simplicity and accuracy. Ensuring the key information, project details, historical data, past performance metrics, predicted costs and more will set us on the right path. With tools such as MS Project, Primavera P6, Power BI and highly detailed data available to us, schedules can be augmented to deliver real-time project feedback, drive timely decisions, and ultimately impact bottom-line savings.”

“This information can then be used to empower projects teams, provide real-time information to leaders on site and at head office and allow for decisions to be made with strong supporting information and data analysis when issues arise, rather than months down the line, which can involve costly rework or remediation.”

“The trick is understanding that the process combines art and science. Data and insights drive science, and art comes through communication, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and team building because the best data in the world is wasted science if the art of collaborations is ignored.”

Here is a look at some of our recent project experiences and the tools we’ve used to navigate this dynamic landscape.

Tools of the Trade

Our recent projects have relied heavily on sophisticated scheduling and data analysis software, including:

MS Project: A robust tool for creating detailed, task-based project schedules.
Primavera P6: Ideal for complex, large-scale projects requiring detailed task dependencies and critical path analyses.
Power BI: A visualisation tool that transforms project data into actionable insights through dynamic reports and dashboards.

Project Highlights:

The Solar Farm Project

This schedule was a prime example of reactive and proactive project management working in tandem. Tasked with addressing disruptions caused by other contractors, we constructed a detailed schedule that enabled real-time assessment of the client’s strategic actions to minimise delays. Daily updates kept stakeholders informed, facilitating quick responses to evolving project conditions. A unique aspect of this project was the reverse-engineering of the schedule—relying on past documents and correspondence to build a living history of project progress. This unconventional approach enabled us to understand our present status clearly and chart a forward path effectively.

2. Preparing for Operations at a Plant (PCF)

Our team created a forward-looking schedule to identify and achieve operational readiness milestones. By dissecting relationships between tasks and setting realistic targets, we advanced progress to over 70% completion ahead of schedule. Task-specific feedback reports provided to team members were instrumental in maintaining momentum and reducing stress. Additionally, enhancements to the manager’s reports allowed for seamless inclusion in broader presentation materials, aligning the team’s efforts with organisational goals.

3. Field Gas Development Schedule

This complex scheduling task involved integrating two independent scopes—the appraisal phase and full field development—into a cohesive timeline using Primavera P6. Overlapping tasks necessitated a delicate balancing act, which we managed by incorporating risk scenarios. This dual-schedule integration enabled the project board to assess potential challenges and make informed decisions during periodic reviews.

4. Operation and Maintenance Projects

Daily high-risk activities across multiple projects demanded a rapid-response scheduling approach. Our solution was to relocate crews strategically, accelerating nearby projects to recover time lost on paused operations. This nimble, data-driven scheduling approach optimised resource allocation and project continuity.

5. Development of Overseas Project Feasibility

Sometimes, speed is paramount. We prepared a comprehensive project schedule for an overseas feasibility project on the same day as our data intake. Despite the short turnaround, the detailed plan allowed stakeholders to clearly visualise key milestones and execution strategies. The successful inclusion of this schedule in a presentation underscored its value as a communication and planning tool.

The Evolution of Scheduling: From Simplicity to Real-Time Complexity

“As illustrated by these projects, modern scheduling has become a sophisticated art driven by data and real-time adaptability,” said Candy.

“By leveraging tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, and Power BI, we transform schedules into living, breathing entities — ones that evolve alongside project demands, drive decision-making, and add tangible value to outcomes.”

“While the complexity can be staggering, our focus remains on creating accurate, intuitive, and actionable schedules. After all, at the heart of every successful project is a well-crafted plan that translates into measurable results, which results in savings through improved efficiency, quicker decision making, more accurate timelines and controlled project costs.” If you want to learn more about how we can integrate art and science into your next project schedule and plan, contact Niall Callan via