GL3eChap06.pptVIP

Chapter 6 Developing a Project Plan Developing the Project Plan The Project Network A flow chart that graphically depicts the sequence, interdependencies, and start and finish times of the project job plan of activities that is the critical path through the network. Provides the basis for scheduling labor and equipment. Enhances communication among project participants. Provides an estimate of the project’s duration. Provides a basis for budgeting cash flow. Identifies activities that are critical. Highlights activities that are “critical” and can not be delayed. Help managers get and stay on plan. From Work Package to Network From Work Package to Network (cont’d) Constructing a Project Network Terminology Activity: an element of the project that requires time. Merge Activity: an activity that has two or more preceding activities on which it depends. Parallel (Concurrent) Activities: Activities that can occur independently and, if desired, not at the same time. Constructing a Project Network (cont’d) Terminology Path: a sequence of connected, dependent activities. Critical path: the longest path through the activity network that allows for the completion of all project-related activities; the shortest expected time in which the entire project can be completed. Delays on the critical path will delay completion of the entire project. Constructing a Project Network (cont’d) Terminology Event: a point in time when an activity is started or completed. It does not consume time. Burst Activity: an activity that has more than one activity immediately following it (more than one dependency arrow flowing from it). Two Approaches Activity-on-Node (AON) Uses a node to depict an activity. Activity-on-Arrow (AOA) Uses an arrow to depict an activity. Basic Rules to Follow in Developing Project Networks Networks typically flow from left to right. An activity cannot begin until all of its activities are complete. Arrows indicate precedence and flow and can cross over each other. Id