200+ Planning Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Answering questions related to Planning Engineer role

• Prepare a site schedule with sequencing and duration to determine project duration in MSP/on paper

• Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique to identify the longest path of planned activities to determine the shortest possible project duration

• To identify critical path on paper, draw a network diagram and calculate the earliest start and finish times for each activity

• Schedule tracking involves comparing act...read more

CPI & SPI are performance indices used in project management. Scheduling involves loading resources & creating reports.

• CPI (Cost Performance Index) measures the cost efficiency of a project, while SPI (Schedule Performance Index) measures the schedule efficiency.

• Resources can be loaded into a program by assigning them to specific tasks in the project schedule.

• Scheduling can be done using different techniques such as Critical Path Method (CPM), Program Evaluation and Review Te...read more

Understanding cement, forces in structures, concrete mix design, and masonry techniques is crucial for effective planning in engineering.

• Cement is essential for binding materials in construction, providing strength and durability.

• Shear force is the internal force that acts parallel to the cross-section of a structural element, while bending moment is the internal moment that causes bending.

• Adhesive refers to materials that bond surfaces together, while cohesive refers to the ...read more

I use Primavera P6 for planning. I am highly proficient in it.

• I use Primavera P6 for planning purposes.

• I have been using it for several years and have gained a high level of proficiency.

• I am able to create and manage project schedules, track progress, and analyze data using the software.

• I am also familiar with other planning software such as Microsoft Project and Excel.

• I am always willing to learn new software and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

Explaining productivity calculation and task duration estimation

• Productivity is measured by output per unit of time or input

• Task duration can be calculated by dividing the total work by productivity

• Factors affecting productivity include skill level, equipment, and work environment

• Task duration estimation should consider potential delays and risks

• Use historical data and industry benchmarks to improve accuracy

To evaluate a contractor schedule and ensure project completion as per schedule, I would follow these steps:

• Review the contractor's schedule to ensure it is comprehensive and includes all necessary tasks and milestones.

• Check for logical sequencing of activities and identify any potential conflicts or constraints.

• Assess the duration and resource allocation for each activity to ensure feasibility.

• Compare the contractor's schedule with the project baseline schedule to identify a...read more

A planning engineer is responsible for creating and managing project schedules, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely completion of the project.

• Developing project schedules and timelines

• Monitoring project progress and identifying potential delays

• Collaborating with project managers and stakeholders to ensure timely completion

• Preparing progress reports and presenting them to management

• Identifying and mitigating project risks

• Ensuring compliance with project specifications and...read more

There are 3 levels of schedules: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

• Level 1: Master Schedule - high-level overview of the project

• Level 2: Project Schedule - detailed breakdown of the project into smaller components

• Level 3: Look-Ahead Schedule - weekly or daily schedule that focuses on specific tasks

Reports maintained on daily, weekly and monthly basis by Planning Engineer.

• Daily progress report

• Weekly status report

• Monthly project report

• Resource utilization report

• Cost control report

• Risk assessment report

Basic things required to create a project plan include defining project scope, setting objectives, creating a work breakdown structure, determining resources, and establishing a timeline.

• Define project scope to outline the boundaries and deliverables of the project.

• Set clear objectives to ensure the project goals are understood by all stakeholders.

• Create a work breakdown structure (WBS) to break down the project into manageable tasks.

• Determine resources needed for the project...read more

Automatic tracking in MSP or Primavera P6

• Set up a baseline for the project

• Enter actual progress and update the schedule

• Use the software's tracking features to compare baseline and actual progress

• Generate reports to analyze project performance

EVM stands for Earned Value Management. It is a project management technique used to measure project performance and progress.

• EVM compares the actual work completed and the budgeted work to determine if the project is on track or not.

• It uses three key values: Planned Value (PV), Actual Cost (AC), and Earned Value (EV).

• PV is the budgeted cost of the work scheduled to be done, AC is the actual cost incurred, and EV is the budgeted cost of the work actually completed.

• EVM helps i...read more

Resource planning involves allocating resources efficiently for project execution, while logistic planning focuses on coordinating the movement of resources and materials.

• Resource planning involves identifying and allocating resources such as manpower, equipment, materials, and budget for project activities.

• Logistic planning involves coordinating the movement of resources and materials to ensure timely delivery and efficient utilization.

• To prepare resource planning, assess pr...read more

I would consider various factors before making a decision, such as career growth opportunities, job satisfaction, work-life balance, and potential for learning and development.

• Consider the overall job satisfaction and career growth opportunities in the current company

• Evaluate the potential for learning and development in the new company

• Assess the work-life balance and job security in both companies

• Consider any additional benefits or perks offered by the new company

• Consult wit...read more

Critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project that determines the shortest possible duration. Float of critical activities is zero.

• Critical path is the sequence of activities that determines the minimum project duration.

• It consists of activities that have zero float, meaning any delay in these activities will delay the project.

• Float of critical activities is zero, meaning they cannot be delayed without delaying the project.

• Non-critical activities have float...read more

Total float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project, while free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activity.

• Total float is the total amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date.

• Free float is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of its successor activity.

• Total float considers t...read more

I have conducted risk assessments by identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing potential risks in projects.

• Conduct brainstorming sessions with the project team to identify risks.

• Utilize SWOT analysis to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

• Review historical data from similar projects to identify common risks.

• Engage stakeholders to gather insights on potential risks they foresee.

• Categorize risks into technical, financial, operational, and external risks.

Activity relationships in Primavera software help define the sequence and dependencies between tasks in a project.

• Activity relationships determine the order in which activities should be carried out.

• They help in identifying dependencies between tasks, such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish.

• By setting up activity relationships, project managers can ensure that tasks are completed in the correct order to avoid delays.

• For example, if Task ...read more

Earned Value Management (EVM) is a project management technique to track the performance and progress of a project by comparing planned work with actual work completed.

• EVM integrates project scope, schedule, and cost to provide a comprehensive view of project performance.

• Key EVM metrics include Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), Actual Cost (AC), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), and Cost Performance Index (CPI).

• EVM helps in forecasting project outcomes, identifying varia...read more

Drawings are essential for a planning engineer to accurately understand the project scope and create a realistic schedule.

• Drawings provide detailed information about the project, including dimensions, specifications, and design elements.

• They help in identifying the sequence of activities and dependencies between different tasks.

• Drawings assist in estimating the quantity of materials required for each activity.

• They aid in identifying potential clashes or conflicts between diff...read more

Water is added to concrete after casting to maintain moisture content and achieve early strength and resist creep formation.

• Adding water to concrete after casting helps to prevent excessive moisture loss.

• Maintaining moisture content in concrete is important for proper hydration of cement particles.

• Watering concrete can also help in reducing shrinkage and cracking.

• By providing moisture, the concrete gains strength faster and can resist creep formation.

• Examples of methods to ma...read more

As a planning engineer in a railway project, my works include developing project schedules, coordinating with various stakeholders, monitoring progress, and resolving any scheduling conflicts.

• Developing project schedules and timelines

• Coordinating with different teams and stakeholders to ensure smooth execution

• Monitoring progress and identifying any delays or issues

• Resolving scheduling conflicts and adjusting timelines as necessary

• Analyzing project data and generating reports ...read more

Construction process involves planning, designing, procurement, execution, and handover of the project.

• Planning and designing the project based on client requirements and budget

• Procuring necessary materials, equipment, and labor

• Executing the construction work according to the plan and design

• Monitoring and controlling the progress of the project

• Testing and commissioning the project

• Handing over the project to the client

• Post-construction activities such as maintenance and repair

API 650 outlines tank construction sequences for Fixed Cone Roof and External Floating Roof tanks, ensuring safety and efficiency.

• 1. Site Preparation: Clear and level the site, ensuring proper drainage.

• 2. Foundation Installation: Construct a stable foundation, typically using concrete or compacted gravel.

• 3. Tank Shell Erection: Assemble the tank shell using rolled steel plates, welding them together as per specifications.

• 4. Roof Installation: For Fixed Cone Roof tanks, instal...read more

Create a contingency plan to address the breakdown and minimize impact on project schedule.

• Identify critical path activities and assess impact of breakdown on project timeline

• Develop alternative solutions or workarounds to mitigate delays

• Communicate with stakeholders and update project schedule accordingly

• Allocate resources effectively to address the breakdown

• Monitor progress closely to ensure timely resolution

Look ahead is a planning technique to anticipate future activities. In P6, the 1-month look ahead can be found using filters and layouts.

• Look ahead is a proactive planning approach to identify and prepare for upcoming activities.

• In P6, the 1-month look ahead can be created by applying filters and layouts to the project schedule.

• Filters can be set to display activities that are scheduled within the next month.

• Layouts can be customized to show specific columns and information r...read more

Various analysis techniques are used while planning.

• Critical Path Method (CPM)

• Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

• Resource leveling

• Risk analysis

• Cost-benefit analysis