A guide to setting project timelines

Product management involves balancing both the strategic planning and the delivery aspects of a product, which can often become intertwined, leading to potential inefficiencies. A clear distinction between product and project management is crucial to allow product managers to focus on future development. However, in practice, product managers are often involved in the delivery process, which necessitates effective project timelines. A project timeline visually represents the tasks, milestones, and dependencies involved in product development, aiding in planning, monitoring, and communication. It is distinct from a project schedule, which includes more detailed information about resources and responsibilities. The importance of project timelines lies in their ability to provide predictability, enhance communication with stakeholders, and set clear deadlines for supporting teams. Essential components of a project timeline include a work plan, work breakdown structure, milestones, task dependencies, task duration, and deadlines. These elements help in organizing and managing the project effectively, ensuring timely and successful product updates. While agile companies may not always separate product and delivery roles, maintaining well-structured project timelines can build a product manager's reputation for reliability and pave the way for innovation.