Fast-tracking in project management is a technique where tasks that would ordinarily be completed in sequential order are instead completed concurrently. This method is used to manage time, schedule, and activities, and it allows for quicker project completion. Fast-tracking can be used when a project is at risk of not being completed within the deadline, or when there is a desire to bring a product to market faster. However, it may also reflect an unrealistic deadline.

To use fast-tracking in project management, you must first go over the critical path and identify which tasks can be performed parallel to one another. For example, when planning a party, you cannot hang up decorations if a venue has not first been chosen. These are two tasks that cannot run parallel to one another. However, hanging up decorations and setting out the party snacks are two activities that can be done simultaneously to quicken the time to the end result.

Fast-tracking requires extra care in planning because of the increased risk level. Rushed work can often be less accurate, and important details may be missed, which can lead to problems down the road. Fast-tracking increases project risk by deviating from and rearranging the project schedule, which can use precious time. Therefore, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of fast-tracking to understand whether it will be worthwhile to undertake increased risk.

In summary, fast-tracking in project management is a technique where tasks that would ordinarily be completed in sequential order are instead completed concurrently. It is used to manage time, schedule, and activities, and it allows for quicker project completion. However, it requires extra care in planning because of the increased risk level.