Abstract: This paper introduces the time management method for overseas EPC projects. Taking overseas EPC projects of petrochemical engineering as the example, it studies the planning and schedule control method. The recursive algorithm in computer science is used to understand the work breakdown structure, which is one of the core contents of project management，and analyze the core algorithm of project time management in PMBOK. The significance of developing the database of man-hours and engineering quantity and constantly updating the accurate data to the project management is clarified

Key words: time management, EPC project, recursive algorithm, PMBOK