Page 157 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 8: Network Planning Model

line so that they are worked on concurrently with other activities. The sequencing is often Notes
driven more by resource availability than any other consideration.
There are two drawbacks to using the Gantt chart:

 Because of its simplicity, the Gantt chart does not contain detailed information. It reflects
only the order imposed by the manager and, in fact, hides much of that information.
Unless you are intimately familiar with the project activities, you cannot tell from the
Gantt chart what must come before and after what.
 Second, the Gantt chart does not tell the project manager whether the schedule that results
from the Gantt chart completes the project in the shortest possible time or even uses the
resources most effectively.

Task The Gantt chart reflects only when the manager would like to have the work done.
Explain

Network Diagram

The network diagram provides a visual layout of the sequence in which project work flows.
It includes detailed information and serves as an analytical tool for project scheduling and
resource management problems as they arise during the life of the project. In addition, the
network diagram allows you to compute the earliest time at which the project can be completed.
That information does not follow from a Gantt chart.
Network diagrams can be used for detailed project planning, during implementation as a tool
for analyzing scheduling alternatives, and as a control tool:
Planning: Even for large projects, the Network Planning Model gives a clear graphical picture of
the relationship between project activities. It is, at the same time, a high-level and detailed-level
view of the project.

Implementation: For those project managers who use automated project management software
tools, you will update the project file with activity status and estimate-to-completion data. The
network diagram is then automatically updated and can be printed or viewed.

Control: While the updated network diagram retains the status of all activities, the best graphical
report for monitoring and controlling project work will be the Gantt chart view of the network
diagram. This Gantt chart cannot be used for control purposes unless you have done network
scheduling or incorporated the logic into the Gantt chart.

Notes Comparing the planned schedule with the actual schedule, the project manager will
discover variances and, depending on their severity, will be able to put a get-well plan in
place.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. A ……………………. is a pictorial representation of the sequence in which the project
work can be done.
2. The …………………… is the older of the two and is used effectively in simple, short-
duration types of projects.

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