What is the main purpose of forensic schedule analysis?

The main purpose of forensic schedule analysis is to determine the causes and impacts of schedule delays. This analysis is a critical tool used in project management, particularly in the construction industry, to investigate and resolve disputes related to delays. By analyzing the project schedule in detail, forensic schedulers can identify the root causes of delays, such as unforeseen site conditions, resource availability issues, or miscommunication among stakeholders.

Forensic schedule analysis involves reviewing the timeline, assessing deviations from the planned schedule, and evaluating the effects of these deviations on the overall project delivery. This process enables stakeholders to understand what went wrong during the project timeline and provides a basis for potential claims or negotiations regarding responsibility for delays.

While predicting future project outcomes, evaluating contractor performance, and establishing baseline schedules are important aspects of project management and scheduling, they do not encapsulate the primary function of forensic schedule analysis, which is focused explicitly on understanding past performance and accountability in the face of delays.