LO8 Schedule and Resource

Question 1

2 differences between critical path and critical chain techniques

Answer 1

1. They differ in the way they manage and display contingency.
2. They differ in the way that expectations are set over the completion of activities.

Question 2

Network diagram

Answer 2

Derived by inserting logical relationships between activities from WBS.
Estimates entered onto diagram allowing start and finish (early and late times)
Total float calculated for each activity (late start or finish - early start or finish)
Critical path determine - continuous path through network.
Updated with actuals during implementation.

Question 3

Schedule - optimise and baseline

Answer 3

Schedule reviewed by stakeholders to ensure realistic and deliverable.
May need several iterations.
Once agreed, schedule is baselined - used to measure progress and change.
May need to be re baselined following major approved changes.

Question 4

Schedule - update timescales with actuals

Answer 4

Dynamic document - what has been done and forecast what is still to be done.
Mechanisms in place to gather progress data in agreed / timely way
Finished tasks shown as 100% complete. Update incomplete tasks.
Forecast completion.
Impact of delays on subsequent activities, critical path, free and total float and end date aid forward planning and recovery.

Question 5

2 different categories of resource

Answer 5

1. Fixed cost - single cost attached to activity or spread across lifecycle. Certainty - known and agreed.
2. Human resources / labour - use RAM / RACI. Allocated based on skills / work required. Add to schedule and smooth / level.

Question 6

3 things that need to be considered when allocating resources to a schedule

Answer 6

1. Time to obtain resources
2. Amount of resources needed (resource demand profile histogram)
3. The cost of resource (appropriate quality / training / qualification)

Question 7

Differences in funding (linear vs iterative)

Answer 7

1. Phase v sprint based
   Iterative - more frequent review, more prone to failure (supports governance)
2. Different funding priorities
   Iterative - constant expenditure (people costs)
   Linear - S-curve, increased resources from planning to implementation.
   Add contingency.
3. Estimated costs vs fixed costs
   Iterative - fixed (but may not deliver all requirements)
4. High change budget vs low change budget

Question 8

Considerations - resource levelling vs smoothing

Answer 8

1. Amount of float available
2. Importance of end date
3. Amount of resource available

Question 9

Resource Smoothing

Answer 9

Time Limited
Maintain schedule - add resources.
Realign tasks where they can be moved without impacting overall duration.

Question 10

Resource Levelling

Answer 10

Resource Limited
Modify schedule dates to stay within specified resources available as first priority.

Question 11

3 things to consider when maintaining a schedule

Answer 11

1. Measurement of progress
2. Whether schedule is realistic (based on performance to date)
3. Impact of under or over performance