Computer Application in Management - Chapter 5

A project management tool that helps to visualize project tasks and their dependencies. It uses a network diagram to show the sequence of activities and their estimated durations.

The longest path through the network diagram of a PERT chart, representing the minimum time required to complete the project.

The activities in a PERT chart that lie on the critical path, meaning they affect the overall project duration.

The time that an activity can be delayed without affecting the overall project schedule.

A graphical tool that helps visualize project activities against a timeline, using bars to represent the duration of each task. It doesn't show task dependencies.

A collection of activities with a clear start and finish, aimed at achieving specific goals within a given timeframe with limited resources.

A set of tasks and activities organized and executed within a specific timeline, utilizing available resources to achieve defined goals.

Defined as the first phase of a project, focusing on outlining the goals, objectives, and scope of the project. It's like creating a blueprint before building.

The process of evaluating potential risks that may affect the project, including financial, technical, or environmental factors.

The process of identifying, analyzing, and planning responses to identified risks.

The process of monitoring the project's progress, comparing it to the plan, and making adjustments as needed. It's like tracking your route on a map to ensure you're on track to your destination.

The process of estimating the time required to complete each task in a project.

The process of determining the financial resources needed to complete a project, including labor, materials, and overhead.

A graphical chart used to schedule, monitor, and track resources in a project. It visualizes tasks and their durations over time.

A Gantt Chart uses horizontal bars to represent tasks, with the length of each bar representing the task's duration (time needed to complete it).

A Gantt Chart helps visualize whether a project is staying on schedule or running behind. It shows if the project is following the allocated time.

It breaks down a project into manageable tasks and subtasks, showing their hierarchy and dependencies. This helps organize the project work effectively.

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) helps ensure that all project tasks are identified and completed to achieve the overall project goal.

The top-level tasks in a WBS represent the major activities or deliverables of the project. These are broader and more general.

The subtasks in a WBS are specific and detailed tasks that contribute to completing the top-level tasks. These are more concrete and actionable.

A specific task that must be completed within a project. It can be represented as a line connecting two nodes in a PERT chart.

A point in the PERT chart where a task begins or ends. It is usually represented by a circle with a number.

The series of connected activities that determine the longest time required to complete the project. Delays on this path will delay the entire project.

The time required to complete a specific activity.

An advantage of a Gantt Chart is that it displays the duration of each activity. This helps to allocate time and ressources for each task.

One disadvantage of a Gantt Chart: It does not show the relationships between tasks that need to be completed together.