Theme 3 Topic 9 - Critical Path Analysis

Question 1

Define Critical Path Analysis

Answer 1

Using a network diagram to show the tasks taken to complete a project in the minimum time possible

Question 2

What does a critical path analysis show?

Answer 2

The sequence of activities required for the project and the order in which they can be completed

Question 3

What is the purpose of a critical path analysis?

Answer 3

To plan projects in a way which enables a project to be completed in the shortest time possible

Question 4

What three things does a manager need to know to use the technique?

Answer 4

What different tasks are involved, The length of time each task is expected to take, The order the tasks must be completed in

Question 5

Define Node

Answer 5

Circles representing a point in time at the start or end of an activity, They are split into three

Question 6

Define Earliest Start Time (EST)

Answer 6

The top right segment of the node showing the earliest time an activity can begin

Question 7

What does the EST depend on?

Answer 7

The completion of the previous activity

Question 8

Define Latest Finishing Time (LST)

Answer 8

The bottom right segment of the node showing the latest time an activity can finish without delaying the overall project

Question 9

Define Node Numbers

Answer 9

The left half of the node showing a unique identity for each node

Question 10

What do the arrows/lines represent?

Answer 10

Production activities

Question 11

Which way must arrows/lines go and what should they have at each end?

Answer 11

Left to right and must begin and end with a node

Question 12

What is above the arrows/lines?

Answer 12

A letter or description of the activity that the line represents

Question 13

What is below the arrows/lines?

Answer 13

A number which represents the length of time it takes to complete that activity

Question 14

Define Critical Path

Answer 14

The sequence of activities in a project that must be completed within a designated time in order to prevent any delay in overall completion of the project

Question 15

What symbol is used to show the critical path?

Answer 15

//

Question 16

Define Total Float

Answer 16

The amount of time that an activity can be delayed by without delaying the entire project

Question 17

Total Float for an Activity =

Answer 17

LFT - Duration of Activity - EST

Question 18

What are three advantages of critical path analysis?

Answer 18

Shows managers which activities can be done simultaneously, Managers can focus on ‘critical activities’ to avoid delaying the overall completion time, Forces managers to think ahead

Question 19

What are three disadvantages of critical path analysis?

Answer 19

Complex activities may be difficult to represent in a network, If the estimated times are incorrect the diagram will be inaccurate, Often encourages managers to focus on speed rather than quality

Question 20

Why does critical path analysis not guarantee success?

Answer 20

Success depends on the motivation and efforts of the staff and management as to whether they can carry out each activity to the scheduled time