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Schedule Network Diagram Construction

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The Schedule Network Diagram is a fundamental tool in the Critical Path Method (CPM) used for visualizing the sequence and interdependencies of all activities in a project. It provides a graphical representation of the project's activities, showcasing how each task is connected based on dependencies, which is crucial for identifying the critical path. Constructing this diagram involves listing all project activities, determining their durations, and identifying the dependencies between them (finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish relationships)To construct a Schedule Network Diagram, project managers first develop an activity list derived from the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Each activity is assigned a unique identifier and estimated duration. Next, dependencies between activities are established, indicating the sequence in which tasks must be performed. This involves specifying predecessor and successor relationships, which can be complex in large projectsThe diagram is typically drawn using nodes (also known as boxes) to represent activities and arrows to depict dependencies. There are two main types of network diagrams: the Activity-on-Node (AON) method, which places activities on the nodes, and the Activity-on-Arrow (AOA) method, which places activities on the arrows. The AON method is more commonly used in CPM due to its simplicity and clarityBy visualizing the project's activities and their interrelationships, the Schedule Network Diagram aids in identifying the critical path—the longest sequence of activities that determines the project's minimum completion time. It also helps in spotting opportunities to optimize the schedule by rearranging activities, adjusting durations, or altering dependenciesIn summary, constructing a Schedule Network Diagram is a pivotal step in CPM scheduling. It transforms the abstract list of project activities into a coherent visual model, facilitating better understanding, communication, and management of the project schedule among stakeholders.

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Question 1

Which technique is most appropriate when constructing a schedule network diagram for activities with complex interdependencies?

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

Question 2

When establishing the Schedule Network Diagram sequence flow, what represents the most appropriate way to handle two parallel activities that must finish at exactly the same time?

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.

Question 3

When creating a Schedule Network Diagram, what is the recommended approach for handling multiple paths that converge at a single milestone?

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

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