AAOM Handbook

3.4 OPERATING MASTER SCHEDULE & EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE REVIEW

3.4.1 Context

At any point in time the management team for an Operation should be implementing the Operating Scenario that is optimal for the business conditions specified by the executive. The Operating Master Schedule (OMS), and Expenditure Scheduled (EPS) represent the implementation of a given Operating Scenario. They are similar to the route calculated between your current position and your desired destination by a car GPS. As the GPS route shows the optimum roads, distances, speeds and turns over time, The OMS and EPS show the key Activities, durations, rates, product and dependencies over time. The GPS route has very limited value if it is not updated with current position as the journey progresses. So also the OMS and EPS are of limited value if they are not updated over time with the actual Activity timing, outcomes and cost information. As the GPS position is updated the software checks whether the vehicle is on the correct track to the desired destination at the estimated arrival time. If not, it will update the route directions and if necessary, the estimated arrival time. It is quite possible that the route may not change but the estimated arrival time does, or the route changes but the estimated arrival time does not, or both may change. The need for change will depend on the accuracy of route execution, the actual vs estimated car speed, and the time buffer included in the route calculation. Similarly, the accountable HOD needs to monitor the actual performance against the approved OMS/EPS. The HOD must decide if any changes to the forward OMS/EPS are required, are practical and if so whether the forecast outcomes and costs for a measurement/reporting period will need to be amended. The independent work of the role holders should be monitored, and coaching provided, within the Accountability Review process. When it comes to integration of the HOD work there will be areas of interdependence between the OMS/EPS for departments. This creates the potential for conflict between the optimum choices for one department and that for another. This is similar to the situation in Work Management where the accountable roles are trying to optimize an Execution Schedule that integrates the work of more than one area. This creates the situation where decisions that affect more than one accountability must be made in order to resolve critical issues for an effective OMS/EPS update. Resolution of crossover accountability issues is an area where use of a meeting is appropriate.

3.4.2 Purpose

To maintain a realistic OMS/EPS forecast.

3.4.3 Quantity • One meeting agenda setting out critical issues and options. • One meeting to review the critical issues and options. • One record of decisions/actions on how critical issues will be managed.