Ghost Schedules – What, How, and What is the Risk?

This webinar thoroughly discusses uses and risks of Ghost Schedules by both parties for better project control, decision making, and faster resolution of claims.  Not uncommon, but rarely written about, Ghost Schedules, also known as secret or shadow schedules, are used “behind the scenes” on construction projects for various purposes.

Contractors use them to record their original plan – when owners refuse to approve early completion schedules or fail to grant time extensions – as well as to manage subcontractors/suppliers to early finish dates. They are often used for planned early completion schedules, “target” schedules, and others’ buy-in for early completion and contemporaneous project decisions.  Contractors are not required to advise owners of their intent to complete the work early.  When owners refuse to accept baseline schedules showing planned early completion dates, contractors are enticed to use Ghost Schedules to preserve their rights to file delayed early completion claims.

Owners may also use Ghost Schedules when contractor schedule updates are deemed unusable or unreliable.

Since Ghost Schedules are not contract schedules there are pros and cons concerning their use.  We will discuss all of these points.

Participants will learn:

• The definition of term “Ghost Schedule”
• How and why Ghost Schedules are created
• Who keeps a Ghost Schedule on project. Why?
• Why and when both contractors and owners use Ghost Schedules
• Difficulties of use and reliance on a Ghost Schedule during project and at completion
• Risks and benefits of Ghost Schedule for both owners and contractors
• Potential use for Side Schedule during project.

Instructor: James G. Zack, Jr. is Principal of James Zack Consulting, LLC

See Flyer for complete details and registration information.