Topic 6 Network Models(1)
Topic 6 Network Models(1)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify the characteristics of a project and project management.
Understand the terms of the topic: activity, event, slack, dummy activity, critical
activity, critical path, network, and crash time.
Distinguish PERT from CPM.
Explain the importance of computing PERT/CPM.
Construct a simple CPM network.
Analyze a CPM activity/event.
Define the three estimates of activity time.
Compute weighted average times in PERT.
Describe crashing an activity and prepare a cost analysis.
Managers encounter many
administrative situations requiring
them to plan, organize, and control
a project that consists of several
different but interrelated activities.
There are two widely known network management tools:
Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation
and Review Technique (PERT).
Primarily
concerned with
finding ways to
reduce the time
required to
perform tasks,
such as
construction work
and plant
maintenance. To
determine the
optimal tradeoff
Characteristics of Project Management
1. The time of completion of the project can take weeks, months, or even
years. Due to the extended duration of such projects, many changes can
happen, which are oftentimes difficult to forecast.
Activity Slacks. Also termed as float activity, it is the length of time that a
task is allowed to be delayed as it will not cause a delay for the entire project.
Differences between PERT and CPM
Immediate Time
Activity Description
Predecessor (Weeks)
A Brainstorming on Foundation Day theme. - 0.5
B Submit proposals for Foundation Weeks activities that include the budget and a list of expenses. A 1
C Finalize the Foundation Week activities and consolidate the proposal for the activities. B 1
D Set an appointment with the activity heads and participants. B 1
E Obtain approval of school president on the proposed Foundation Week activities and budget C 2
F Activity heads are to prepare check request for their respective activities. D,E 1
G Purchase raw materials, costumes, accessories, etc. to be used for the Foundation Week celebration F 1
H Hire celebrities or entertainers for the Opening Cerermonies. F 2
I Practice for dance numbers and other performances G 1
Announce the programs/events schedule, guidelines, and venues of the games, contests, and other activities
J for the Foundation Week I 1
K Distribution of program and invitations to the schools management and officials. I,J 1
Step 2. Construct the project network
Step 3. Calculate the completion time of each activity
Step 4. Compute the earliest start time and the earliest finish
time of the initial activities
ES = earliest start time for an activity
t = activity time
Step 5. Calculate the earliest start time and earliest finish time
using the forward pass
Step 6. Enter the latest start time and latest finish time using
the backward pass.
LS = latest start time for an activity
t = activity time
Step 7. Calculate the latest finish time and latest start time.
Step 8. The zero slack points to the critical path.