![]() In order to identify the critical path, the length of time that each task will take must be calculated. A critical path diagram is a useful tool for scheduling dependencies and controlling a project. It is based on the idea that some tasks must be completed before others can begin. The critical path (dashed red line as seen in figure 7-7) describes the sequence of tasks that would enable the project to be completed in the shortest possible time. This is unusual but can happen depending on the types of relationships that are involved. Note: there can be instances where the start of an activity is on the critical path, but the finish is not on the critical path. The forward and backward pass are also used to fully calculate the critical path(s) in a project. Watch the video: Project Management Networks Part 2: Forward and Backward Pass by Prof C to learn how to make these calculations. These activity attributes are calculated using two processes: the forward pass and the backward pass. Once a network diagram has been made, and estimated activity durations have been assigned to each activity, the following attributes of each activity can be calculated: Figure 7‑7: An example of an activity on node (AON) diagram Forward and Backward Pass However, the AOA network diagram has some disadvantages that limit the use of the method. It provides information about how the tasks are related (Figure 7-7), where the risk points are in the schedule, how long it will take as currently planned to finish the project, and when each task needs to begin and end.Īll network diagrams have the advantage of showing task interdependencies, start and end times, and the critical path (the longest path through the network). The network diagram provides important information to the project team. The network diagram is a schedule but is used primarily to identify key scheduling information that ultimately goes into user-friendly schedule formats, such as milestone and Gantt charts. The WBS is not a schedule, but it is the basis for one. ![]() Some tasks can be accomplished at any time throughout the project, where other tasks depend on input from another task or are constrained by time or resources. The first step in creating a network diagram is to arrange the tasks from your WBS into a sequence. Leaving even one task out of the network could change the overall schedule duration, estimated costs, and resource allocation commitments. All of the WBS tasks must be included in the network because they have to be accounted for in the schedule. The tasks in the network are the work packages of the WBS. Network diagrams provide a graphical view of the tasks and how they relate to one another. The network diagram is a way to visualize the interrelationships of project activities. Some project managers use network diagrams when scheduling a project. An In-depth look at Gantt Charts follows on 7.9. Thus, the detailed Gantt chart is usually constructed after the main objectives have been determined. Sometimes it is useful to start with the target deadline for the completion of the whole project because it is soon apparent if the time scale is too short or unnecessarily long. ![]() A Gantt chart can be drawn quickly and easily and is often the first tool a project manager uses to provide a rough estimate of the time that it will take to complete the key tasks. The key stages are placed on the bar chart in sequence, starting in the top left corner and ending in the bottom right corner ( Figure 7-6). Gantt charts show all the key stages of a project and the duration as a bar chart, with the time scale across the top. Some Gantt charts also show the dependency relationships (i.e., precedence network) between activities. Terminal elements and summary elements comprise the work breakdown structure of the project. These charts display the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project. Gantt charts are easy to read and are commonly used to display scheduled activities. The Gantt ChartĪ Gantt chart is a type of bar chart developed by Henry Gantt that illustrates a project schedule. There are two common visual methods to display schedules. The project schedule is important as it serves as a baseline to measure time and costs. Managing the Schedule with Gantt Charts and Network Diagrams Chapter 7 – Scheduling Resources and Budgetsħ.8. ![]()
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