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

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.

The clim digger function is a feature in planning software that helps in analyzing and optimizing project schedules.

• Clim digger function is used in planning software to analyze project schedules

• It helps in identifying critical paths and optimizing the schedule

• It allows planners to simulate different scenarios and evaluate the impact on project timelines

• Examples of clim digger functions include Primavera P6's Schedule Analyzer and Microsoft Project's Schedule Inspector

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

Productivity of manpower varies by trade and project requirements.

• Productivity is measured in units of work completed per unit of time.

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

• Examples of productivity rates for trades include: electricians - 0.5-1.5 hours per outlet installed, carpenters - 100-200 sq ft of framing per day, plumbers - 2-4 fixtures installed per hour.

• Productivity can be improved through training, ...read more

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

CPI, SPI, PV, KPI, and AC represent key performance indicators used in project planning and control.

• CPI (Cost Performance Index) measures the cost efficiency of a project.

• SPI (Schedule Performance Index) measures the schedule efficiency of a project.

• PV (Planned Value) represents the authorized budget assigned to the work scheduled.

• KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is a measurable value that indicates how well an organization is achieving its objectives.

• AC (Actual Cost) represen...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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Demonstrate plan vs actual by comparing the planned schedule with the actual progress made.

• Create a baseline plan with a detailed schedule

• Track actual progress against the baseline plan

• Compare the planned vs actual progress and identify any deviations

• Use visual aids such as Gantt charts to demonstrate the differences

• Provide explanations for any deviations and take corrective actions if necessary

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

Commercial meters and regulators in SCMH and grade are used for measuring and controlling gas flow in industrial applications.

• Commercial meters measure the flow rate of gas in standard cubic meters per hour (SCMH).

• Regulators control the pressure of the gas flow to ensure it stays within a specific range.

• Grade refers to the quality or purity of the gas being measured and regulated.

• Examples of commercial meters and regulators include mass flow meters, pressure regulators, and g...read more

There are three types of levels in scheduling: project level, summary level, and detailed level.

• Project level: This is the highest level of scheduling, where the overall project timeline is defined.

• Summary level: This level breaks down the project into major phases or milestones.

• Detailed level: This level involves breaking down the project into smaller tasks with specific start and end dates.

Oil and gas construction activities involve civil, piping, and equipment work.

• Civil work includes building foundations, roads, and drainage systems.

• Piping work involves installing pipelines for oil and gas transportation.

• Equipment work includes installing and commissioning various types of equipment such as pumps, compressors, and turbines.

• Other activities include electrical and instrumentation work, testing and commissioning, and project management.

• Examples of oil and gas co...read more

A planning engineer is responsible for creating and managing project schedules to ensure timely completion of the project.

• Developing project schedules and timelines

• Monitoring project progress and identifying potential delays

• Collaborating with project managers and stakeholders

• Analyzing data and making recommendations for improvements

• Ensuring compliance with project requirements and regulations

Quality of brick, cement, and SF & BMD diagram can be checked through visual inspection, testing, and comparison with standards.

• Brick quality can be checked by inspecting for uniform size, shape, and color, and conducting water absorption test.

• Cement quality can be checked by performing tests like fineness test, setting time test, and compressive strength test.

• SF & BMD diagram quality can be checked by verifying accuracy of data points, smoothness of curves, and adherence to ...read more

To prepare a schedule from scratch, update progress, identify delay, identify the activity causing delay, and do resource leveling, follow these steps:

• Define project scope and objectives

• Break down the project into smaller tasks and activities

• Determine the duration and dependencies of each activity

• Create a network diagram and Gantt chart

• Assign resources and estimate costs

• Update progress regularly and adjust the schedule accordingly

• Identify delays by comparing actual progress t...read more

Rate analysis involves calculating the cost of materials and labor for blockworks, plastering, and steel based on previous construction experience.

• Rate analysis involves breaking down the cost of materials, labor, equipment, and overhead for a specific construction activity.

• For blockworks, the rate analysis would include calculating the cost of blocks, cement, sand, labor, and any additional materials or equipment needed.

• Similarly, for plastering, the rate analysis would invo...read more

Various data points are required to prepare a master schedule.

• Project scope and deliverables

• Resource availability and allocation

• Dependencies between tasks

• Duration estimates for each task

• Constraints and milestones

• Historical data from similar projects

Primary duties of planning engineer include creating project schedules, monitoring progress, identifying delays, and coordinating with stakeholders.

• Creating and maintaining project schedules

• Monitoring project progress and identifying delays

• Coordinating with project team members and stakeholders

• Analyzing project data and providing reports

• Implementing changes to schedules as needed

Resource leveling is the process of smoothing out resource allocation to prevent peaks and valleys in resource usage.

• Resource leveling involves adjusting the start and finish dates of activities to ensure resources are not overallocated at any point in time.

• Resource allocation is the process of assigning resources to specific activities based on availability, skills, and requirements.

• Resource leveling helps in optimizing resource utilization and avoiding bottlenecks in projec...read more

To track a project in Primavera P6 on a daily basis, use the following steps.

• Update progress for each activity daily

• Review critical path activities regularly

• Monitor resource allocation and availability

• Compare planned vs. actual progress

• Generate daily reports for stakeholders

Bleeding and segregation are common issues in concrete construction.

• Bleeding occurs when excess water in the concrete mixture rises to the surface, leaving behind a layer of water.

• Segregation happens when the coarse aggregates separate from the rest of the concrete mixture.

• Both bleeding and segregation can negatively impact the strength and durability of the concrete.

• Proper mix design, adequate compaction, and appropriate curing techniques can help minimize these issues.

Total float is the amount of time that a schedule activity can be delayed without delaying the project finish date.

• Total float is calculated by subtracting the early start date of an activity from its late start date.

• Activities with total float can be delayed without affecting the project finish date.

• Total float helps in identifying activities that have flexibility in their start and finish dates.

• It is important to monitor total float to ensure project deadlines are met.

The marketing plan was approved based on the code received.

• The code received may have met certain criteria outlined in the marketing plan.

• The code could have been reviewed and deemed suitable for marketing purposes.

• The code may have been aligned with the company's branding and messaging.

• The marketing team may have found the code to be innovative or appealing to the target audience.

I would create a detailed budget and cash flow plan to track expenses and ensure funds are available when needed.

• Develop a comprehensive project budget that includes all expenses

• Create a cash flow plan to track when funds will be needed and ensure they are available

• Regularly monitor expenses and adjust the cash flow plan as needed

• Communicate with stakeholders to ensure they are aware of funding needs and any potential issues

• Consider alternative funding sources if necessary

Strong points include relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Weak points may include lack of experience or certain skills.

• Strong points: Relevant experience, skills, and qualifications

• Weak points: Lack of experience or certain skills

• Example of strong point: Candidate has 5 years of experience in planning and scheduling

• Example of weak point: Candidate lacks experience in using a specific software required for the job

I will break down the 300 km laying project into smaller sections, assign resources, estimate durations, and create a detailed schedule.

• Break down the project into manageable sections such as 10 km segments

• Assign resources including equipment, manpower, and materials to each section

• Estimate durations for each activity based on historical data or industry standards

• Create a detailed schedule using a scheduling software like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project

• Regularly update and ...read more

Heat transfer and mass transfer are two different phenomena in the field of engineering.

• Heat transfer involves the movement of thermal energy from one object to another due to a temperature difference.

• Mass transfer involves the movement of mass from one location to another within a system.

• Examples of heat transfer include conduction, convection, and radiation.

• Examples of mass transfer include diffusion, osmosis, and distillation.

Critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project that determines the project's duration.

• It is the sequence of activities that cannot be delayed without delaying the project's completion.

• It is determined by identifying the longest path of dependent activities in a project network diagram.

• Activities on the critical path have zero slack or float time.

• Any delay in critical path activities will delay the project's completion date.

• Critical path analysis helps in ide...read more

The procedure for OFC laying involves several steps including route survey, trenching, duct laying, blowing fiber, splicing, and testing.

• Conduct a route survey to determine the best path for the OFC

• Trench the ground to lay the ducts

• Lay the ducts and secure them in place

• Blow the fiber through the ducts

• Splice the fiber to connect the cables

• Test the fiber to ensure proper connectivity and signal strength

Views in creating material include cost, quality, availability, and sustainability.

• Consider cost implications of materials chosen

• Ensure quality meets project requirements

• Check availability of materials in required quantities

• Evaluate sustainability aspects of materials used

Construction schedule with multiple packages is prepared by breaking down the project into smaller packages and creating a schedule for each package.

• Break down the project into smaller packages

• Create a schedule for each package

• Identify dependencies between packages

• Integrate all schedules to create a master schedule

• Update the schedule regularly to reflect progress and changes

The amount of manpower required per kg varies depending on the project scope and complexity.

• Manpower requirements can range from 0.1 to 1.0 kg per person depending on the task.

• Factors such as project timeline, skill level of workers, and efficiency of equipment can impact manpower requirements.

• For example, a simple construction project may require 0.5 kg of manpower per person, while a complex engineering project may require 0.2 kg per person.

Planning in Primavera involves creating a project schedule, assigning resources, and tracking progress.

• Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

• Define activities and their dependencies

• Assign resources and durations

• Set baselines and track progress

• Use filters and reports to analyze data

• Update the schedule regularly

• Use risk management techniques

• Integrate with other software tools

• Train team members on Primavera

• Follow industry best practices