As part of any project management plan there should be a description of the scheduling process which would include the criteria used for developing and maintaining the actual project schedule.  It can be formal or informal and as detailed or broad as is necessary given the scope and complexity of the project.  The schedule management plan comes into play when there is a need to revise and/or update the actual project schedule.  The project manager and/or project team will use the schedule management plan as a guide to initiate any changes to the previously defined project schedule when it becomes necessary.

The schedule management plan is a subsidiary element of the overall plan and is not to be confused with the actual project schedule.  We will discuss the actual project schedule in a future tidbit.