18 Questions
What is the primary purpose of using a Gantt chart in project management?
To communicate time frames to team members
Which scheduling technique incorporates uncertainty and is used more in research and development projects?
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
In project scheduling, what does the term 'critical path' refer to?
The longest series of activities through a project/network
What is a common reason scheduling issues arise according to the text?
Poor management leading to changing priorities
What is the main difference between Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)?
CPM calculates the probability a task will be done by a certain time, while PERT doesn't
Why is it recommended to not have tasks with durations greater than four to six weeks according to the text?
To prevent back-end loading of work
What do milestone events represent in project management terminology?
The completion of a major phase of the work
What is a key principle when constructing arrow diagrams based on the text?
Keeping tasks logically possible despite resource limitations
Which project scheduling tool is best suited for representing tasks without knowing precisely the details and durations of all activities?
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Why is scheduling at a manageable level emphasized by the text?
To avoid too little or too much planning
What is the main purpose of scheduling according to the text?
To fit work between fixed points in time
How does back-end loading affect a project schedule?
It delays tasks until the end of the project
What is the purpose of determining the critical path in a project schedule?
To know where managerial attention should be focused
In project scheduling, which rule indicates that all preceding tasks must be completed before a task can begin?
Arrows denote logical precedence
What does it mean if a task has float in a project schedule?
There is extra time available for the task
Which scheduling code represents the Late Finish time for a task in a project schedule?
LF = Late Finish
When calculating backward-pass computations in project scheduling, what are determined for each task?
Latest Start and Latest Finish times
What does the critical path in a project schedule indicate about tasks on that path?
They have no extra time or leeway
Study Notes
Scheduling Issues
- Scheduling issues can arise due to resources not being ready when needed, causing scope changes (creep).
- Priorities may keep changing, potentially due to poor management, and individuals working on multiple projects can lead to productivity issues.
Constructing Arrow Diagrams
- Schedule at a level that can be managed, and avoid planning more detail than can be managed.
- No task should have a duration greater than 4-6 weeks to prevent back-end loading.
- Start with the beginning of the project and work towards the end, deciding what can be done first.
- Diagram out what is logically possible, then deal with resource limitations, and schedule as if help is possible on the project.
- Keep all times in the same increments (hours).
Producing a Workable Schedule
- Scheduling means trying to fit work between two fixed points in time.
- Resource allocation is necessary to determine what kind of schedule is achievable.
- Determine the critical path and available latitude for non-critical work.
Simple Network Rules
- A task can begin only after all preceding tasks are completed.
- Arrows denote logical precedence.
Scheduling Codes
- ES: Early Start
- LS: Late Start
- EF: Early Finish
- LF: Late Finish
- DU: Duration
Forward-pass Computations
- Begin by determining the ES for all tasks in the project.
- The latest EF for preceding tasks becomes the ES for subsequent tasks.
Backward-pass Computations
- Determine the latest start and latest finish times for each task in the project.
- Decide how late the project can finish.
The Float
- A task has float if its ES/LS or EF/LF differ, meaning a time lag that is not critical.
Critical Path and Float
- Critical path tasks have no float, and the manager's attention must be applied to these tasks.
- Effort may need to be adjusted, such as adding more people to the project or working overtime.
Issues with Maintaining Critical Path
- Not always possible to work overtime or add extra people to the project.
Gantt Charts
- A bar chart designed by Henry Gantt, simple to construct and read.
- Best tool for communicating time frames to team members.
Arrow Diagram Charts (Networks)
- Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) both determine the critical path.
- PERT calculates probability a task will be done by a certain time, while CPM doesn't.
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
- A model for project management designed to analyze and represent tasks involved in completing a project.
- Incorporates uncertainty, making it possible to schedule a project while not knowing details and durations of all activities.
- Is an event-oriented technique, used more in R&D-type projects where time is the major factor.
- An event in scheduling terminology is a specific point in time when something has just started or just finished.
Milestone Events
- An event representing a point in a project of special significance, usually the completion of a major phase of work.
Test your knowledge on identifying and resolving scheduling issues in project management. Explore common reasons for scheduling problems such as lack of resources, scope changes, inadequate planning, shifting priorities, and poor time management practices.
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