Extreme Schedule Strategies for Blitz Projects: Lessons from Specialty Field Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As global crises such as COVID-19 become more frequent, many projects, which can be called blitz projects, will need to be completed extremely quickly in response. However, there remains a lack of theoretical support for their implementation as well as systematic strategies for managing their schedules. This article examines the responses to COVID-19 by three specialty field hospitals in China. Through reviews and cross-analysis of the influential factors and practices, and their effects on extreme schedule management, this article proposes a systematic strategic framework including the elements of mission, solution and innovation, organization and culture, communication, resources, dynamics, and adaptability.