Schedule Network Diagram Construction

Correct Answer: Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) with multiple relationship types

The Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) with multiple relationship types is the most appropriate technique for complex interdependencies because: 1. It allows for four different types of logical relationships: - Finish-to-Start (FS) - Start-to-Start (SS) - Finish-to-Finish (FF) - Start-to-Finish (SF) 2. These multiple relationship types provide flexibility to accurately model complex real-world scenarios and dependencies 3. PDM can handle leads and lags between activities The other options are less suitable because: Using only mandatory dependencies and finish-to-start relationships limits the ability to show complex relationships between activities Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM) is outdated and requires dummy activities, making it more complicated and less flexible Critical Path Method (CPM) is a calculation technique rather than a diagramming method, and focusing only on float calculations does not address the need for showing complex relationships between activities

Correct Answer: Use a Finish-to-Finish (FF) relationship with zero lag

Using a Finish-to-Finish (FF) relationship with zero lag is the most appropriate method to ensure two parallel activities end at exactly the same time. This relationship explicitly defines that both activities must complete simultaneously, which is the exact requirement in the question. The other options are problematic because: Applying a Finish-to-Start relationship with negative lag is an undesirable practice and can create scheduling complications and confusion in the network diagram. Creating a Start-to-Start relationship and adjusting durations does not guarantee simultaneous finish times during execution, as activities might experience different progress rates or delays. Inserting a milestone after both activities still requires some form of relationship between the activities themselves, and using only Finish-to-Start relationships doesn't ensure simultaneous completion.

Correct Answer: Apply finish-to-finish relationships to preceding activities and validate total float

In a Schedule Network Diagram, when multiple paths converge at a milestone, the best practice is to apply finish-to-finish relationships to preceding activities and validate total float. This is the correct approach because: 1. Finish-to-finish relationships ensure all paths leading to the milestone are properly coordinated 2. Validating total float helps identify which paths are critical and which have slack 3. This method maintains the integrity of the network logic while ensuring realistic scheduling The other options are incorrect because: - Using mandatory constraints limits scheduling flexibility and can create artificial schedule pressures - Adding lag time arbitrarily to paths can distort the true project duration and create unnecessary delays - Using discretionary dependencies introduces subjective relationships that may not reflect true activity dependencies and can complicate resource management