Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of using a Gantt chart in project management?
What is the primary purpose of using a Gantt chart in project management?
Which scheduling technique incorporates uncertainty and is used more in research and development projects?
Which scheduling technique incorporates uncertainty and is used more in research and development projects?
In project scheduling, what does the term 'critical path' refer to?
In project scheduling, what does the term 'critical path' refer to?
What is a common reason scheduling issues arise according to the text?
What is a common reason scheduling issues arise according to the text?
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What is the main difference between Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)?
What is the main difference between Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)?
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Why is it recommended to not have tasks with durations greater than four to six weeks according to the text?
Why is it recommended to not have tasks with durations greater than four to six weeks according to the text?
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What do milestone events represent in project management terminology?
What do milestone events represent in project management terminology?
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What is a key principle when constructing arrow diagrams based on the text?
What is a key principle when constructing arrow diagrams based on the text?
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Which project scheduling tool is best suited for representing tasks without knowing precisely the details and durations of all activities?
Which project scheduling tool is best suited for representing tasks without knowing precisely the details and durations of all activities?
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Why is scheduling at a manageable level emphasized by the text?
Why is scheduling at a manageable level emphasized by the text?
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What is the main purpose of scheduling according to the text?
What is the main purpose of scheduling according to the text?
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How does back-end loading affect a project schedule?
How does back-end loading affect a project schedule?
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What is the purpose of determining the critical path in a project schedule?
What is the purpose of determining the critical path in a project schedule?
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In project scheduling, which rule indicates that all preceding tasks must be completed before a task can begin?
In project scheduling, which rule indicates that all preceding tasks must be completed before a task can begin?
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What does it mean if a task has float in a project schedule?
What does it mean if a task has float in a project schedule?
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Which scheduling code represents the Late Finish time for a task in a project schedule?
Which scheduling code represents the Late Finish time for a task in a project schedule?
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When calculating backward-pass computations in project scheduling, what are determined for each task?
When calculating backward-pass computations in project scheduling, what are determined for each task?
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What does the critical path in a project schedule indicate about tasks on that path?
What does the critical path in a project schedule indicate about tasks on that path?
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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.
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Description
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.