PMGT3623 Scheduling Week 2
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Questions and Answers

Which task involves creating initial versions of the product based on design specifications?

  • Manufacture of prototype models (correct)
  • Sales training
  • Purchase of materials
  • Revision of design

What is the purpose of conducting a preproduction advertising campaign?

  • To revise the product design
  • To train staff on the new product
  • To gather input on prototype models
  • To generate interest before the product launch (correct)

Which task focuses on gathering insights from employees about the prototype?

  • Initial production run
  • Manufacture of prototype models
  • Staff input on prototype models (correct)
  • Post-redesign advertising campaign

Which option best describes the phase of testing and refining the product based on user feedback?

<p>Revision of design (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What task is essential for preparing employees to effectively sell the product?

<p>Sales training (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first task in the manufacturing milestone?

<p>Prototype model design (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task is focused on preparing staff for operational activities?

<p>Sales training (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is part of the advertising milestone?

<p>Post-redesign advertising campaign (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task pertains to the initial phase of product preparation in the manufacturing milestone?

<p>Prototype model design (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task is applicable to the training milestone?

<p>Sales training (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the 'Staff input on prototype models' task?

<p>Gathering feedback from employees on the design (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the last task associated with the advertising milestone?

<p>Post-redesign advertising campaign (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task in manufacturing directly follows the purchase of materials?

<p>Manufacture of prototype models (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Finish to Start (FS) relationship between two tasks?

<p>The successor task starts only after the predecessor task is finished. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Finish to Start (FS) relationship?

<p>Finish lecture → Tutorial time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Start to Start (SS) relationship?

<p>The successor task cannot begin until the predecessor task has begun. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of a Finish to Start (FS) dependency?

<p>The successor cannot start until the predecessor is completed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example demonstrates a Start to Start (SS) relationship?

<p>Pour concrete → Level concrete (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Start to Start (SS) relationship, what is true about the activities?

<p>They can commence once the predecessor is initiated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the Finish to Start (FS) dependency?

<p>The completion of the predecessor controls the start of the successor. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does parametric estimation rely on to estimate task durations?

<p>Historical data and statistical relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens in a Start to Start (SS) scenario if the predecessor is delayed?

<p>The successor will also be postponed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating the expected value in the three-point estimation technique?

<p>$O + 4M + P / 6$ (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of defining tasks and milestones in project management?

<p>To identify and detail all tasks necessary to complete the project (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines project tasks?

<p>Discrete units of work to achieve project objectives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) primarily help to define?

<p>The total scope of the project (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of project management, what do milestones signify?

<p>The completion of major deliverables or phases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of having too many external task dependencies on project risk?

<p>It increases the risk of delays and costs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dependency can affect the overall duration of a project?

<p>Both discretionary and mandatory dependencies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of decomposition in project management?

<p>To break down the project into tasks or work packages (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of a task description?

<p>Project budget (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is represented by each descending level in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

<p>Incrementally detailed definitions of project work (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which basis is an example of WBS organized?

<p>Project life cycle-based (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included in the building a garage WBS's 'Roof Structure' section?

<p>Framing the structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is fundamental to project planning and tracking?

<p>Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a task in project management?

<p>A specific activity with clear objectives and deliverables (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Finish to Finish (FF) dependency entail?

<p>Both activities can run together until the predecessor finishes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a Start to Finish (SF) dependency?

<p>The successor must start before the predecessor can finish. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Finish to Finish relationship?

<p>Install new equipment and conduct training. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an Internal Dependency?

<p>It describes a task relationship within the same project. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of the Finish to Finish (FF) dependency?

<p>The finish of the predecessor controls when the successor ends. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an example of an External Dependency?

<p>Connect hospital to grid and disable generators. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Start to Finish (SF) dependency, which statement is true?

<p>The predecessor cannot complete until the successor has begun. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the example 'arrival of doctors for a new shift → end of the shift'?

<p>It illustrates Start to Finish (SF) dependency. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prototype Model Design

Creating a sample of the product to test its design and functionality.

Purchase of Materials

Buying the resources needed to build the product.

Manufacture of Prototype Models

Building multiple examples of the product design.

Revision of Design

Making changes to the product design based on testing.

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Initial Production Run

First batch of the product created for sale.

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Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A detailed breakdown of a project into smaller, manageable components, organized in a hierarchical structure, often visually represented by a tree diagram.

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Task Identification

The process of specifying all required tasks for a project.

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Task Breakdown

Dividing a project into smaller and manageable work pieces or tasks.

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Milestone

A key project event or deliverable signaling the completion of a significant phase.

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Project Deliverables

Specific outputs or results expected from a project.

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WBS Example (Project Life Cycle)

A breakdown of a project like "New System" depicting stages like concept, development, implementation, and finalization, further broken down.

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WBS Example (Text Format)

A textual breakdown and numbering system like "Building a Garage" showing sub-tasks like walls, roof, and roofing, further categorized by task numbers.

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Task Description

A clear explanation of each task, including its objectives, expected outputs, and resources.

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Define Tasks and Milestones

Identifying and describing all project activities and key points in the schedule to complete the project.

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Breakdown of Work

Process of breaking down a project into a complete hierarchy of smaller, more manageable, tasks.

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Product Prototype

A first version of a product made to test design and functionality.

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Material Sourcing

The process of finding and acquiring raw materials needed for production.

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Initial Production

The first run of producing a product for sale, often a smaller batch.

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Design Revision

Modifying the design of a product based on feedback or improvements.

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Staff Training

Educating employees on how to use new equipment or procedures.

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Pre-production Advertising

Marketing campaign to build excitement for a new product before launch.

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Post-production Advertising

Promoting a product after it has been launched and is available for sale.

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Finish to Start (FS)

A dependency where a task cannot start until a previous task is completed.

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Start to Start (SS)

A dependency where a task cannot start until a previous task starts, but both can run simultaneously.

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What does 'Finish to Start' mean?

A dependency where a task cannot start until a previous task is completed.

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What does 'Start to Start' mean?

A dependency where a task cannot start until a previous task starts, but both can run simultaneously.

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Dependency

A relationship between tasks that restricts the start or finish of one task based on the status of another.

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Logical Dependency

A relationship between tasks that defines the order in which they must be performed, based on logical constraints.

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Predecessor Task

A task that must be completed or started before another task can begin.

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Successor Task

A task that depends on the completion or start of another task.

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Finish to Finish (FF)

A dependency where a successor activity can only finish after its predecessor activity finishes. However, both activities can run simultaneously until that final constraint is reached.

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Start to Finish (SF)

A dependency where a predecessor activity can only finish once the successor task has started. This means the start of the successor task determines the finish of the predecessor task.

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Internal Dependency

A task relationship between two tasks within the same project. This means the tasks are part of the same project plan and influence each other's completion.

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External Dependency

A task relationship between two tasks in different projects. These tasks are not directly dependent on each other, but their completion may affect the overall project progress.

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What is a significant limitation of a Finish to Finish dependency?

The finish of the predecessor activity dictates when the successor activity ends.

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What is a significant limitation of a Start to Finish dependency?

The start of the successor activity determines when the predecessor activity ends.

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What is an example of Finish to Finish dependency?

Installing new equipment and then training staff on the new equipment. Both tasks can happen at once, but training can't finish until the equipment is fully installed.

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What is an example of Start to Finish dependency?

Shutting down an old system and getting a new system up and running. The old system can only be shut down once the new system is operational.

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Time Value of Money

The concept that money available today is worth more than the same amount of money in the future due to its potential to earn interest or grow.

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Parametric Estimation

A method to estimate task duration using statistical relationships from historical data and relevant variables.

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Three-Point Estimation

Technique using optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic estimates to derive the average duration for a task.

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Discretionary Dependency

Task relationship where one task is dependent on another but can be changed without affecting the project's overall schedule.

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External Task Dependency

A task relying on completion by someone or something outside the project team, increasing project risk.

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Study Notes

PMGT3623 Scheduling

  • The course covers scheduling, course resources, and assessment components
  • Week 2 focuses on defining and sequencing project tasks
  • Week 2 topics include: defining tasks and milestones, sequencing tasks, finish-to-start, start-to-start, start-to-finish, finish-to-finish, external vs internal dependencies, mandatory vs discretionary dependencies, and lead/lag time estimations
  • A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a deliverable-oriented grouping of project elements, organizing and defining the total scope of the project
  • Each descending level of a WBS represents an increasingly detailed definition of the project work
  • Milestones are specific moments with a definitive deliverable, while tasks are the efforts needed to reach those milestones
  • Tasks are broken down into smaller components (work packages) to manage the overall project scope
  • Tasks include details like objectives, deliverables, resources
  • Defining milestones involves identifying critical points in the project timeline signifying the completion of major deliverables or phases
  • Defining milestone criteria specifies what must be achieved for the milestone to be considered complete
  • This helps to monitor progress and ensure alignment with project goals
  • Examples of 'define task and milestone' include designing, manufacturing, and marketing a palm book computer, as well as building a garage.
  • Sequencing in project management is arranging project tasks in a specific order. It involves organizing and prioritizing tasks logically to ensure smooth execution and successful completion
  • This is vital for meeting deadlines and achieving project goals efficiently
  • Visualization tools like network diagrams are used to demonstrate task order and dependencies
  • Logical dependencies between tasks include Finish-to-Start (FS), Start-to-Start (SS), Finish-to-Finish (FF) and Start-to-Finish (SF)
  • External dependencies relate to tasks in different projects, requiring approvals from external parties
  • Internal dependencies concern tasks within the same project
  • Mandatory dependencies are required by contract, law, or best practices, while discretionary dependencies could lead to financial benefits
  • Project risk increases with the number of external task dependencies affecting project completion time and cost
  • Discretionary dependencies can impact project duration as decisions are made during the project

Task Dependency and Project Risk

  • A diagram illustrates the relationship between task dependencies and project risk, showing increasing risk with more mandatory dependencies and external dependencies
  • External dependencies increase inherent risk more than discretionary dependencies

Estimate Task Duration (Discrete Approach) – Part C

  • Two primary steps for estimating task duration:
    • Historical Data Analysis: Review historical data from similar tasks or projects to estimate the duration of the current task
    • Expert Judgment: Use experts with experience in similar projects to refine/adjust estimates if historical data is not available

Estimation Techniques

  • Analogous Estimation: Assumes the current project will cost the same as a similar past project, adjusting for differences in scope, complexity
  • Parametric Estimation: Uses statistical relationships between historical data and variables like the number of units produced per hour
    • Example: If producing 10 units takes 2 hours, producing 20 units will take 4 hours
  • Three-Point Estimation: Uses three estimates to derive an average duration or cost for an activity
    • Example formula: Expected value = (0 + 4M + P) / 6

Review Questions

  • Define project tasks and milestones
    • Project tasks are the individual work efforts to achieve a project goal while milestones are major events that mark significant progress and completion of phases.
  • What are lead and lag times? How are they related to project scheduling?
    • Lead time is the time a dependent activity starts before its predecessor is finished, used for Finish-to-Start (FS) dependencies to reduce scheduling time. Lag time is the idle wait time between activities and is added to overall time, used for all types of dependencies.
  • What are the differences between discretionary and mandatory dependencies? What are the four different types of logical dependencies between two tasks?
    • Mandatory dependencies are required by contract, law, or best practices, whereas discretionary dependencies are optional and can lead to benefits. The four logical dependencies are FS, SS, FF, and SF.
  • What are the steps in estimating the duration of a task?
    • This includes reviewing historical data from similar projects and using expert judgment for unavailable historical data.
  • What is the impact of having too many external task dependencies on project risk?
    • Having too many external task dependencies increases project risk in terms of project completion time/cost. External dependencies are often less controllable than internal/discretionary dependencies.
  • Does the discretionary dependency impact project duration?
    • Discretionary dependency can impact project duration. It may lead to projects taking more or less time than projected with potential cost implications.

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PMGT3623 Scheduling Lecture Notes PDF

Description

This quiz delves into the intricacies of project scheduling, focusing on defining and sequencing project tasks. It covers essential topics such as dependencies, milestones, and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Test your understanding of key concepts necessary for effective project management.

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