HKSM
Project Calendar
A schedule that specifies the project's working days and the shifts during which activities can be planned and performed.
Key Points
- Sets the default workdays and work hours for the entire project.
- Includes exceptions such as holidays, shutdowns, and approved weekend or night work.
- Different from resource calendars (person/team availability) and activity calendars (task-specific time windows).
- Drives scheduling calculations, affecting task start/finish dates and critical path analysis.
Example
A software rollout project uses a project calendar with Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. as standard hours, adds a Saturday evening deployment window once a month, and blocks public holidays. Scheduling tools use this calendar to place and sequence activities.
PMP Example Question
Which calendar defines the default days and shifts when project work may be scheduled, unless overridden by activity or resource calendars?
- Resource calendar
- Project calendar
- Organizational fiscal calendar
- Milestone calendar
Correct Answer: B — The project's working days and shifts
Explanation: The project calendar sets the baseline work periods for the entire project; resource and activity calendars can refine or override it for specific people or tasks.
