Project Network Diagrams

Correct Answer: Both tasks P and R are followed by an arrow pointing towards Task Q, showing Q's dependence on P and R's completion.

In a project network diagram, tasks are represented as nodes and dependencies are represented as arrows. This question tests our understanding of task dependency and sequencing in a project network diagram. The correct answer would be as per the project's order. Here Task Q can only start when both P and R have completed. So, both P and R would be connected by arrows pointing towards Q. Hence, the correct answer is 'Both tasks P and R are followed by an arrow pointing towards Task Q, showing Q's dependence on P and R's completion'. The other options imply different scenarios viz. all tasks are independent (incorrect as Q is dependent on P and R), Q is dependent (incorrect as P and R are not dependent on Q), and tasks P and R are separate from Q (incorrect as Q is related to P and R). Each of these scenarios is inconsistent with the project's order specified in the question, which is why they are incorrect.

Correct Answer: H should be the first activity in the sequence

Option with answer 'H should be the first activity in the sequence' is correct. In a project network diagram, activities without any predecessors are known as starting activities and they typically come first in the sequence. The other options are incorrect because if an activity doesn't depend on any other activity, then it doesn't make sense to put it in the middle or last in the sequence, and it should definitely be included in the sequence, so removing it is not an option.

Correct Answer: A node where multiple activities converge

The correct answer is 'A node where multiple activities converge'.

In project management, a merge point in a network diagram represents a point where two or more parallel activities or paths come together. This is a crucial concept in understanding project schedules and critical paths.

Merge points are important because they:
1. Indicate the completion of multiple parallel activities
2. Often represent milestones or key decision points in a project
3. Can be potential bottlenecks if not managed properly

The other options are incorrect:

'A point where an activity splits into multiple parallel paths' is actually describing a 'fork' or 'divergence' point, not a merge point.

'The final activity in the project network' is incorrect because a merge point can occur at any stage of the project, not just at the end.

'A node where resources are allocated to multiple activities simultaneously' is not accurate. Resource allocation is a separate concept from the structure of the network diagram.