Tutorial 03 (F2F - Online) - Project Scheduling (Networks, Duration Estimation, and Critical Path)
Tutorial 03 (F2F - Online) - Project Scheduling (Networks, Duration Estimation, and Critical Path)
IS333
Project Management
Tutorial 03
Semester I 2020
1. List three methods for deriving duration estimates for project activities. What are the strengths and
weaknesses associated with each method?
2. In your opinion, what are the chief benefits and drawbacks of using beta distribution calculations
(based on PERT techniques) to derive activity duration estimates?
3. “The shortest total length of a project is determined by the longest path through the network.”
Explain the concept behind this statement. Why does the longest path determine the shortest project
length?
4. The float associated with each project task can only be derived following the completion of the
forward and backward passes. Explain why this is true.
5. What is the time estimate of an activity in which the optimistic estimate is 4 days, pessimistic is 12
days, and most likely is 5 days? Show your calculations.
6. Using the following information about Project A, its activities and predecessor activities below:
Activity Predecessors
A -
B A
C B
D B
E C, D
F C
G E, F
H D, G
The following table contains the pessimistic, likely, and optimistic estimates for how long activities
are estimated to take for Project A.
7. Using the following information about Project B, its activities and predecessor activities below:
Activity Predecessors
A -
B A
C A
D B
E C
F C
G D, E
H F, G
The following table contains the pessimistic, likely, and optimistic estimates for how long activities
are estimated to take for Project B.