Final answer:
Conflicts during the main program phases of a project lifecycle are the most intense with respect to schedules. These conflicts arise because of clearly defined timelines that don't consider individual work schedules, leading to competition between project participation and other priorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the main program phases of the project lifecycle, Thamhain et al. suggest that conflict intensity is the greatest with respect to schedules. The planning process and training and implementation process are often subject to very clear timelines, which may not adequately take into account the impacts on the work schedules of those involved. When implementing new programs without dedicated staff, existing staff may have to divert time from funded projects to participate in the process.
This can lead to conflicts as team members struggle to manage competing priorities and feel the pressure of potentially reduced funding, particularly under administrations that threaten to cut support for certain programs. Additional factors such as work overload, managerial role ambiguity, and difficult work relationships can all exacerbate the conflict related to scheduling.