The term Integrated Master Plan / Integrated Master Schedule is used a lot here at Herding Cats. It's the paradigm used to mange programs in the space and defense. But there is always a question - what does one look like? The problem of course is "real" IMP/IMS are simply too complex to show in a blog. As well all are classified in someway, so using "real" IMP/IMS is a non-starter.
Here's a "real" IMP/IMS from the now-canceled Constellation Program of flying to Space Station, then to the moon, and then on to Mars. This one if for landing on the moon (now canceled). The Crew Exploration Vehicle (now named Orion) is 3.0 in this IMP.
The IMP and the notional Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) show the increasing maturity of the program's deliverables moving from left to right. The CEV (Orion) moves from preliminary design status to critical design status (critical means we're almost ready to bend metal). From critical, CEV moves into the integration and testing processes, then to the cape for flight.
The same sequence occurs for the launch vehicle (the main reason the moon program was canceled, since it costs 2 to 3 times what was planned).
The Critical Concepts Applicable to All Project Success
- Where are we going?
- How are we going to get there?
- Do we have enough time and money to make it?
- What's going to prevent us from showing up on time, on budget, and on specification?
- How are we going to measure physical progress to plan?
