Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary misconception about project management?
What is the primary misconception about project management?
- Project management is only about scheduling (correct)
- Project management is only about time management
- Project management is only about resource allocation
- Project management is only about budgeting
What is included in a project schedule?
What is included in a project schedule?
- Only start and finish dates for each activity
- Planned start and finish dates, duration, and resources assigned to each activity (correct)
- Only resource allocation and budgeting for each activity
- Only milestones and deliverables for each activity
Why is it difficult to use scheduling software effectively?
Why is it difficult to use scheduling software effectively?
- Because the software is too complex
- Because you need to understand project management and scheduling methodology (correct)
- Because it requires a lot of experience
- Because it requires a lot of training
What is the main purpose of scheduling in project management?
What is the main purpose of scheduling in project management?
What is a common mistake people make when it comes to project management?
What is a common mistake people make when it comes to project management?
What is project management NOT just about?
What is project management NOT just about?
When was PERT developed?
When was PERT developed?
What is the main advantage of using CPM or PERT?
What is the main advantage of using CPM or PERT?
What is assumed about activity duration in CPM?
What is assumed about activity duration in CPM?
What happens if a critical activity is delayed?
What happens if a critical activity is delayed?
What is the critical path in CPM and PERT?
What is the critical path in CPM and PERT?
What do CPM and PERT help to distinguish?
What do CPM and PERT help to distinguish?
What is the primary purpose of a network diagram?
What is the primary purpose of a network diagram?
What is the difference between an event and an activity in a network diagram?
What is the difference between an event and an activity in a network diagram?
What is the name of the notation that represents work as a box or node, and arrows show the sequence in which the work is performed?
What is the name of the notation that represents work as a box or node, and arrows show the sequence in which the work is performed?
What is the name of the method that uses a network diagram to depict a project and the sequences of tasks required to complete it?
What is the name of the method that uses a network diagram to depict a project and the sequences of tasks required to complete it?
What is a milestone in a network diagram?
What is a milestone in a network diagram?
What is the primary purpose of the Critical Path Method?
What is the primary purpose of the Critical Path Method?
What do the arrows represent in activity-on-arrow notation?
What do the arrows represent in activity-on-arrow notation?
What is the purpose of considering task duration?
What is the purpose of considering task duration?
What are points in the project at which major portions of the work are completed?
What are points in the project at which major portions of the work are completed?
What type of chart presents categorical data with rectangular bars?
What type of chart presents categorical data with rectangular bars?
What is a rule in constructing an arrow diagram?
What is a rule in constructing an arrow diagram?
What is the purpose of a Gantt chart?
What is the purpose of a Gantt chart?
What is the term for the unintended expansion of a project's scope beyond its initial boundaries?
What is the term for the unintended expansion of a project's scope beyond its initial boundaries?
What is the term for the mismatch between the resources allocated or promised and the resources available or feasible?
What is the term for the mismatch between the resources allocated or promised and the resources available or feasible?
What is the name of the network diagram that shows work as a box and node, with arrows showing sequence?
What is the name of the network diagram that shows work as a box and node, with arrows showing sequence?
What are the two methods of scheduling?
What are the two methods of scheduling?
What happens when a project's scope expands beyond its initial boundaries?
What happens when a project's scope expands beyond its initial boundaries?
Study Notes
Project Management and Scheduling
- Project management is not just scheduling, but scheduling is a critical component of successful time management.
- A schedule typically includes a listing of activities, deliverables, and milestones within a project, along with planned start and finish dates, duration, and resources assigned to each activity.
History of Scheduling
- Program (Project) Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) was developed in the late 1950s to reduce the time and cost of a project.
- Critical Path Method (CPM) was also developed in the late 1950s as an algorithm for planning, scheduling, coordinating, and controlling activities in a project.
PERT and CPM
- Both PERT and CPM are used to determine the critical path, which is the longest path through a project network.
- The critical path has no slack, and all activities on it must be completed as scheduled to meet the project deadline.
Benefits of Using PERT or CPM
- The main advantage of using PERT or CPM is to determine whether it is possible to meet an important project completion date and to identify exactly when various tasks must be finished to meet that deadline.
Network Diagrams
- Network diagrams show the sequence in which work is performed.
- Activity-On-Arrow notation represents the work being done with arrows and events with circles.
- Activity-On-Node notation shows the work as a box or node, and the arrows show the sequence in which the work is performed.
Key Terms
- Milestones: points in the project at which major portions of the work are completed.
- Scope Creep: the unintended expansion of a project's scope beyond its initial boundaries.
- Overcommitment: the mismatch between the resources allocated or promised and the resources available or feasible, leading to inefficiencies or failures in project execution.
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Description
Test your knowledge of project management by taking this quiz on chapter 7, which covers the basics of scheduling a project, including its history, importance, and network terms. Learn how to construct and analyze arrow diagrams and more.
