If you had been a student of mine, you would have been taught that float has real value to a project.
If float has value, then who owns the float in a project schedule.
Recently in one of my classes we have been engaged in that discussion. Lots of folks seem to think the PM owns float, by right. Others felt the issue of using float should be resolved in the Project Charter. One, less than hopeful, student pointed out that his boss always stole float by delaying his decisions until the last possible moment.
My position is that whomever uses the float owns it, unless there is some negative ramification against the float thief, she takes it she owns it.
Dr. Rogers’ Rule1 If you can’t measure it you can’t manage it! If float has value that you can measure you can manage it. If float has no measurable value then it can’t be managed.
My suggestion is that the team or PM place a cash value on each day of float and let those who need it, or use it, buy it. or the float thief could pay it back in-kind.
The take away. Float has value, charge for it!
