Critical Path Analysis Flashcards
What is a precedence/dependence table?
A table that shows which activities must be completed before others are started
What is an activity network? (3)
A network where activities are represented by arcs and the completion (events) are represented by nodes
The source node is the first node (represented by 0 or 1)
The sink node is the final node
What is a dummy activity?
An activity with no time or cost, used to show dependencies between activities
Why is it important that there is only one activity between any two events?
Every activity must be uniquely represented in terms of its events
What is duration?
The length of time an activity takes to complete
What is early event time?
The earliest time of arrival at the event, allowing for the completion of all preceding activities
What is late event time?
The latest time an event can be left without extending the overall duration of the project
What is the forward pass? (3)
Calculates early event times
Starts from source node
Choose highest numbers
What is the backward pass? (3)
Calculates late event times
Starts from sink node
Choose lowest numbers
What is a critical activity?
An activity where any increase in its duration results in a corresponding increase in the overall duration of the project
What is a critical path? (2)
A path from the source node to the sink node, using only critical activities
The longest path in a network
What does every network have?
At least one critical path
What is the total float of an activity? (2)
The amount of time that its start may be delayed without affecting the duration of the project
Total float = latest finish time - duration - earliest start time
What is the float of a critical activity?
Zero
What is a Gantt chart?
A graphical way to represent the range of possible start and finish times for all activities in a project
