A Schedule Network Diagram is a graphical representation of a project's activities and the logical relationships (dependencies) among them. It visually depicts the sequence of activities, showing how each task is connected to others and the flow of work from project start to finish. In the context …A Schedule Network Diagram is a graphical representation of a project's activities and the logical relationships (dependencies) among them. It visually depicts the sequence of activities, showing how each task is connected to others and the flow of work from project start to finish. In the context of Activity Definition and Sequencing, creating a Schedule Network Diagram helps project managers understand the dependencies between activities, identify the critical path, and optimize the project schedule.
The diagram includes nodes representing activities and arrows indicating the dependencies. It can be developed using techniques such as the Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM). By mapping out activities and their relationships, the Schedule Network Diagram aids in identifying opportunities for schedule compression through techniques like fast-tracking or crashing.
The Schedule Network Diagram is a crucial tool for analyzing the project schedule, estimating the project duration, and performing critical path analysis. It helps in visualizing potential bottlenecks, sequencing issues, and resource constraints that might affect project timelines. Additionally, it provides a basis for communicating the project plan to team members and stakeholders, ensuring everyone has a clear understanding of the project flow and the interdependencies of tasks.
By utilizing a Schedule Network Diagram, project managers can enhance their ability to plan effectively, make informed decisions about scheduling and resource allocation, and increase the likelihood of project success by proactively managing the sequence of activities.
Schedule Network Diagram Guide for PMI-SP
What is a Schedule Network Diagram?
A Schedule Network Diagram is a graphical representation of the logical relationships (dependencies) between project schedule activities. It serves as a visual roadmap showing how activities connect and the sequence in which they must be performed to complete the project.
Why Schedule Network Diagrams are Important:
1. Visibility of Dependencies - They clearly show how activities relate to each other 2. Critical Path Identification - Help identify the sequence of activities that determine the project duration 3. Constraint Management - Enable visualization of schedule constraints and bottlenecks 4. Risk Assessment - Facilitate identification of schedule risks and potential delays 5. Communication Tool - Provide stakeholders with a clear view of project flow
Common Elements of Schedule Network Diagrams:
- Activities: Represented as boxes or nodes - Dependencies: Shown as arrows connecting activities - Milestones: Key events or checkpoints - Duration Estimates: Time required for each activity - Float/Slack: Available flexibility in activity timing
Types of Dependencies:
1. Finish-to-Start (FS): Most common - Activity B cannot start until Activity A finishes 2. Start-to-Start (SS): Activity B cannot start until Activity A starts 3. Finish-to-Finish (FF): Activity B cannot finish until Activity A finishes 4. Start-to-Finish (SF): Activity B cannot finish until Activity A starts (rare)
Network Diagram Methods:
1. Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM): Activities shown as boxes (nodes) connected by arrows 2. Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM): Activities shown as arrows, with nodes representing start/end points
Creating a Schedule Network Diagram:
1. Identify all project activities 2. Determine logical relationships between activities 3. Sequence activities based on dependencies 4. Draw the diagram showing these relationships 5. Analyze the diagram for the critical path and potential issues
Critical Path Method (CPM):
The critical path is the longest sequence of activities that must be completed on time for the project to finish on schedule. Activities on this path have zero float, meaning any delay will delay the entire project.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Schedule Network Diagram
1. Know Your Terminology: Understand terms like predecessors, successors, leads, lags, float, and critical path
2. Dependency Types: Memorize all four dependency types (FS, SS, FF, SF) and recognize when each is appropriate
3. Critical Path Calculations: Practice forward pass (early start/finish) and backward pass (late start/finish) calculations
4. Float Identification: Be able to calculate and interpret float values for activities
5. Network Logic: Understand how changes to one activity can impact the entire network
6. Common Question Types: - Identifying the critical path in a given network - Calculating project duration based on a network - Determining float for specific activities - Analyzing impacts of delays or changes - Recognizing appropriate dependency types for scenarios
7. Diagram Analysis: Practice "reading" network diagrams to extract information quickly
8. Situational Application: Be ready to apply network diagram concepts to real-world project scenarios
9. Multiple Paths: Remember projects can have near-critical paths that require attention
10. Schedule Compression: Understand how fast-tracking (parallel activities) and crashing (adding resources) affect the network diagram
When taking the PMI-SP exam, carefully read each question related to Schedule Network Diagrams. Look for key information about dependencies, durations, and constraints before selecting your answer. Many questions will require calculation, so manage your time efficiently.
PMI-SP - Schedule Network Diagram Example Questions
Test your knowledge of Schedule Network Diagram
Question 1
In a Schedule Network Diagram, parallel activities that start at the same time but have different durations are known as what type of event?
Question 2
In a Schedule Network Diagram, which method arranges activities in a specific way to display critical path and near-critical activities visually?
Question 3
When analyzing a Schedule Network Diagram, which technique involves calculating the duration between the earliest and latest start dates of an activity?
🎓 Unlock Premium Access
PMI Scheduling Professional + ALL Certifications
🎓 Access to ALL Certifications: Study for any certification on our platform with one subscription
3428 Superior-grade PMI Scheduling Professional practice questions
Unlimited practice tests across all certifications
Detailed explanations for every question
PMI-SP: 5 full exams plus all other certification exams
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund if unsatisfied
Risk-Free: 7-day free trial with all premium features!