Osama Saad - Smart PM Training

Extract the forecasted finish date from database in Power BI

Schedule updates provide forecasted start and finish dates.

In Excel, you work with cells so extracting values is very straightforward.

Unlike Excel, Power BI works with columns and not raw data cells.

To extract Forecasted Start & Finish in Power BI: Use the early finish column from schedule updates, then select the latest value to represent completion.

Challenge: Multiple data dates are stored, so the card alone may not return the correct forecast.

Solution: Add a slicer filter. Choose the data date from the project calendar, format it, and apply it to the visual.

Result: With one click, you can see the forecasted completion date for any update period.

How should you determine the activity duration in the baseline schedule?

In scheduling, we often face the equation:

Labors = Quantity / (Duration×Productivity)

Quantity is fixed, and productivity depends on your company’s conditions.

That leaves two variables: duration and number of labors.

• Scenario 1: Assume manpower → calculate duration.
• Scenario 2: Assume duration → calculate manpower.

The right approach is Scenario 2. Projects run on deadlines, not on your available crew size. Start with a reasonable duration based on project constraints, then calculate how many workers are required.

Example:

• 100 m² of tiling in 1 day.
• Productivity = 100 m²/day per worker.
• Required = 1 labor.

If deadlines tighten, shorten duration and increase manpower accordingly.

👉 Bottom line: Always assume duration first, then calculate the required resource.

It keeps your schedule realistic and aligned with project timelines.

MIP 3.4 & 3.5 Contemporaneous “Split” & Reconstructed Updated Delay Analysis Methods

Unlike the straightforward update‑to‑update comparison in MIP 3.3, the dynamic split method introduces an additional step that makes a significant difference.

Process Overview:

Begin with the “before of period” schedule (e.g., update no. 02 at 01-Jan-26).

Copy this file, then import actuals from the subsequent update (e.g., update no. 03 at 01-Feb-26).

Actual start, finish, percent complete, and remaining duration are integrated, while the data date remains fixed at the beginning of the window.

The schedule is then run at the end of the window, producing an “end of period” version that isolates progress from logic changes.

In this video, you will learn everything you need to know about the "MIP 3.4 & 3.5 Contemporaneous “Split” & Reconstructed Updated" Delay Analysis Methods as per the AACE RP 29R-03

You will learn:

How to perform delay analysis using this method step-by-step

The advantages, disadvantages, uses and limitations of this method.

Watch the full tutorial here:

https://academy.smartpmtraining.com/MIP-3-4-&-3-5-Delay-Analysis

How to import Power BI theme to save time on formatting

Instead of manually formatting every card, title, or visual, Power BI themes let you apply consistent design instantly.

Built‑in Options: Choose light or dark themes, or customize your own.

Efficiency: Default formatting applies automatically to new visuals — no need to redo styling each time.

Import Best Practices: Bring in pre‑designed themes (JSON files) created by others.

Flexibility: Keep multiple themes ready — light for printing reports, dark for presentations. Switching takes seconds.

Pro Tip: Avoid heavy manual formatting. Import themes first, then let them handle consistency across reports.

The myth of standard productivity rates and why they don't exist

One of the most common questions in project management is: “What’s the standard productivity rate?” The truth is - there isn’t one.

Productivity depends on countless variables:

• Experience of the workforce (20 years vs. 1 year makes a huge difference).
• Location & economy (high-income countries attract skilled labor and better resources).
• Company size & project scale (global contractors vs. small local firms).
• Safety standards & site conditions (strict housekeeping and mobility facilities vs. unsafe, obstructed sites).

Example: A seasoned carpenter in a high-income country working for a top contractor will deliver vastly different output compared to a junior carpenter in a low-income country with minimal safety measures.

👉 Bottom line: There is no universal benchmark. Each company must observe and track its own productivity rates, tailored to its workforce, environment, and project conditions.

MIP 3.3 Contemporaneous “As-Is” (Contemporaneous Period Analysis), Dynamic Delay Analysis Method

This delay analysis method tracks delay behavior across critical paths.

Window analysis does not measure cumulative delay but evaluates each update period independently.

It highlights how recovery actions, path shifts, and near‑critical activities influence the forecasted completion date.

In this video, you will learn everything you need to know about the "MIP 3.3 Contemporaneous “As-Is” (Contemporaneous Period Analysis), Dynamic" Delay Analysis Method as per the AACE RP 29R-03

You will learn:

How to perform delay analysis using this method step-by-step

The advantages, disadvantages, uses and limitations of this method.

Watch the full tutorial here:

https://academy.smartpmtraining.com/MIP-3-3-Delay-Analysis

Basic formatting for Power BI visuals explained

Beyond data, presentation matters.

Power BI allows flexible formatting to make reports clear and professional.

If you're beginner in Power BI, this video is for you.

You will learn the concepts of formatting visualizations in Power BI.

Everything you need to know about Activity description in the schedule

Activity descriptions should be short, precise, and to the point. Instead of long sentences, use clear phrases like “Apply paint for walls”, enough to identify the task without overcomplicating it.

💡 Keep in mind:

• Most scheduling tools (like Primavera) limit descriptions to 120 characters which is roughly 8 words.
• Spaces count as characters, so brevity matters.
• Aim for 4–8 words that capture the verb, activity nature, and location.

Examples:

• Install pipes – Basement
• Apply paint – Walls
• Floor tiles – 2nd Floor

Consistency is key. Whether you start with a verb (Apply paint) or with the activity type (Floor tiles installation), stick to one style across the schedule. A uniform structure makes your plan easier to read, present, and manage.

How to extract contract start and finish dates from database in Power BI

In Excel, showing contract start or finish is simple: just check the milestone activity.

In Power BI, we work with data columns so returning a single value requires a different approach.

Start Date: Use the "earliest" of the baseline early start date, then format it for clarity (e.g., 05-Jan-26).

Start Date: Choose the "latest" date in the finish column

Key Step: Cards only return one value. For dates, you must specify whether you want the earliest or the latest entry.

In this video, I explain how you can extract the Contract start and finish dates from your Power BI database.