What is fast-tracking in project management?

Fast-tracking in project management refers to the practice of performing tasks simultaneously rather than sequentially to reduce the overall duration of a project. This approach allows project managers to overlap phases or activities that would normally be done one after the other, thereby accelerating timeline completion. By identifying tasks that can be carried out at the same time without causing conflicts or impacting dependencies negatively, project teams can effectively shorten the project's timeline and meet tight deadlines.

For instance, if two tasks are dependent on each other but can have portions executed concurrently, a project manager might choose to initiate the second task while the first is still in progress. This method requires careful planning and consideration of any risks involved, as overlapping activities can lead to resource contention or quality issues if not managed properly.

In contrast, completing tasks sequentially focuses on ensuring quality at each stage but does not aim for a reduced timeline, which distinguishes that approach from fast-tracking. Delaying tasks to enhance quality runs counter to the objective of fast-tracking, which seeks to speed up progress. Lastly, extending the project timeline with additional resources does not align with the definition of fast-tracking, as it implies a longer schedule rather than a more expedited one.