| Abstract: |
Project scheduling remains one of the most critical determinants of cost efficiency and resource optimization in contemporary project management practice. This review paper presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of past research examining the multidimensional relationship between scheduling methodologies, cost performance, and resource utilization across diverse industry sectors. Drawing from over three decades of empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and applied investigations, the analysis synthesizes findings from construction, information technology, manufacturing, and infrastructure development domains. The review identifies consistent patterns demonstrating that structured scheduling approaches including Critical Path Method (CPM), Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), and Agile-based scheduling significantly correlate with reduced cost overruns and improved resource allocation efficiency. Meta-analytic findings reveal that projects employing advanced scheduling techniques experience, on average, 23–35% lower cost deviations compared to those operating without formal scheduling frameworks. Furthermore, resource optimization indices consistently improve when scheduling is integrated with real-time monitoring and earned value management systems. The paper also highlights persistent gaps in the literature, particularly regarding dynamic scheduling in uncertain environments and the role of digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming scheduling efficacy. |
