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Write a Programme Narrative

Draft a programme narrative explaining the construction sequence, critical path, key milestones, and assumptions for a baseline programme.

Editor: Owen HaggerLast updated

Overview

This workflow helps Planning Engineers produce a professional programme narrative to accompany a baseline or revised construction programme. The narrative explains the planned construction methodology and sequence, identifies the critical path and key milestones, and documents the assumptions and constraints underpinning the programme logic. It is suitable for submission with Asta Powerproject or Primavera P6 programmes.

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Prompt

You are an experienced UK construction Planning Engineer. Write a programme narrative to accompany a baseline construction programme based on the following:

Project: [PROJECT NAME AND DESCRIPTION, e.g., New-build 120-bed care home, steel frame, 3 storeys plus basement]
Client: [CLIENT NAME]
Contract Form: [CONTRACT FORM, e.g., NEC4 ECC Option A]
Contract Duration: [DURATION, e.g., 78 weeks]
Start on Site Date: [DATE]
Completion Date: [DATE]

Key Project Information:
- Gross Internal Floor Area: [GIFA]
- Number of storeys / blocks: [DETAILS]
- Structural frame type: [e.g., Steel frame / RC frame / Timber frame]
- Key constraints: [LIST, e.g., Live hospital environment adjacent, restricted working hours weekends, phased handover required]
- Sectional completion requirements: [IF ANY]

Key Milestones:
1. [MILESTONE 1 AND TARGET DATE]
2. [MILESTONE 2 AND TARGET DATE]
3. [MILESTONE 3 AND TARGET DATE]
[Add as required]

Programme Assumptions:
- Working hours: [e.g., Mon-Fri 07:30-18:00, Sat 08:00-13:00]
- Holiday shutdowns: [e.g., 2 weeks Christmas, 1 week Easter]
- Lead-in times assumed for key packages: [LIST, e.g., Steelwork 12 weeks, Cladding 14 weeks, Lifts 20 weeks]
- Weather allowance: [e.g., 2 days per month Nov-Feb]

Structure the narrative as:
1. Introduction and project overview
2. Programme overview (start, finish, duration, calendar)
3. Enabling works and site establishment
4. Substructure phase description
5. Superstructure phase description
6. Building envelope and weathertightness
7. Internal fit-out sequence (describe floor-by-floor or zone-by-zone approach)
8. External works
9. Commissioning, testing, and handover
10. Critical path description (identify the critical path through the programme and explain why)
11. Key milestones summary table
12. Programme assumptions and exclusions
13. Key risks to programme

Write in a professional technical style suitable for formal programme submissions.

Typical result

~3hby hand~1h 15mwith AI

A cautious typical estimate, including the time to gather the inputs and check the output. It varies with the job.

What it replaces: Writing the programme narrative to accompany the programme.

What you still check

  • The narrative matches the programme logic and dates
  • Assumptions and risks are stated
  • The planner and project manager agree it before issue

Use Case

Use when submitting a baseline programme, revised programme, or programme update and you need a clear written narrative to explain the construction sequence and logic to the client or project manager.

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