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Unit2-SPM-Part2

The document outlines the fundamentals of project planning and management tools, focusing on Gantt charts as a visual tool for organizing tasks and timelines. It discusses the importance of task dependencies, types of activities, and the benefits of using Gantt charts for effective project management. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of project schedules in tracking progress and resource allocation.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views

Unit2-SPM-Part2

The document outlines the fundamentals of project planning and management tools, focusing on Gantt charts as a visual tool for organizing tasks and timelines. It discusses the importance of task dependencies, types of activities, and the benefits of using Gantt charts for effective project management. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of project schedules in tracking progress and resource allocation.

Uploaded by

s70808231
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 2: Project Planning and Project Management Tools

Contents
2.1 Project Planning
2.2 Steps for Project Planning
2.3 PERT and Gantt Charts
2.4 Introduction to Project Management using Gantt Project
2.5 Objectives of Activity planning
2.6 Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling
2.7 Network Planning Models
2.8 Formulating Network Model
2.9 Summary

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 1


Introduction to Project Management using Gantt Project
Purpose of a Gantt Chart
• At a basic level, a Gantt chart allows project, program and portfolio managers to easily
map out project plans by organizing project tasks on a visual timeline.
• However, Gantt charts are used for many other purposes in project planning, project
scheduling, project tracking and resource management.
• Gantt charts can be used to manage any business process, from routine procedures such as
establishing production lines to one-off initiatives such as buying materials.
• They are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, IT,
professional services and more.
• Gantt charts are created during the project planning phase as they are used to make a
detailed project schedule.
• As the Gantt diagram is visual, it is often referred to throughout the project lifecycle by
both project managers and teams as a way to monitor and control the project.

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
Components of a good Gantt chart
• A Gantt chart should include all of the following data points:
• The project start date
• The name or description of each project task
• Resources assigned to each task
• A start and end date for every task
• The duration (length) of every task
• The relationship between tasks
• The project end date

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
Task dependencies in Gantt charts
• When managing a project, not all tasks happen in isolation.
• Often, one task depends on the completion or start of another task. This is where task
dependencies come in.
• In a Gantt chart, not all tasks are dependent but they should be connected.
• A task with no relationships or dependencies may be referred to as a hanging or orphaned
task.
• Orphaned tasks are against PMBOK standards as they can complicate planning and
analysis.
• However, it is possible to have multiple groups of coinciding tasks.
• Understanding these connections ensures your project plan runs smoothly, avoids
confusion, and keeps everyone on the same page.

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
Task dependencies in Gantt charts cont..
• When you create a Gantt chart, it’s important to define task dependencies clearly.
• Whether using a Gantt chart in Excel, Google Sheets, or online software, identifying how
tasks are related helps you track the project’s progress quickly, making it easier to spot
bottlenecks or delays early.

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
Types of task dependencies in Gantt charts
• There are four types of relations or dependencies to choose from:
• Finish to start (FS):
• One task must be completed before the next can start.
• This relationship is the most common option.
• Start to start (SS):
• In this case, several tasks can begin simultaneously.
• Think of a housing project, for example — once you start putting up the drywall,
someone else can begin painting.
• There’s no need for the whole house to be drywalled before beginning to paint the
first room.

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
Types of task dependencies in Gantt charts cont..
• Finish to finish (FF):
• In some cases, a task cannot end until the previous one is completed.
• For example, the inspection of a house cannot be done until the house is fully built.
• Start to finish (SF):
• This is the least common task relationship, where one task cannot end until another is
started.
• Shift work is a good example of this — the employee on the day shift cannot finish
until the employee on the evening shift comes in.

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
The benefits of using a Gantt chart for project management
Using a Gantt chart for project management, you can:
• Break down a project into more manageable chunks
• Easily view task dependencies and relationships
• Allow team members to view the relationship between their work and others’
• Visualize and monitor the progress of tasks over time
• See constraints and conflicts, such as one resource being assigned to two tasks at once
• Identify the critical path of the project
• There are a number of reasons why your project can fail.
• By using a Gantt chart, you narrow down this likelihood and give your project a fighting
chance at success.

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
Gantt chart examples

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Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
How to build a Gantt chart for project management
• It’s easiest to set up, update, and manage a Gantt chart using a project scheduling tool that
allows you to link tasks and deadlines that are dependent on one another.
• When working in an effective project scheduling tool, moving or updating the timeline or
progress on one task will automatically update any interdependent tasks.
• This function saves you time and reduces the likelihood of your team missing something
important.
• If necessary, you can create a manual Gantt chart in a spreadsheet by following these steps:
• Identify all your essential project tasks.
• Make a list of what needs to be completed and how long you expect each task to take.
• Identify the relationships between the tasks.
• For example, you can’t post content on your website until the content is written, so these two
tasks are related.
• One needs to be completed before the other can begin.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 10
Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
How to build a Gantt chart for project management cont..
• Put all your tasks in order of timeline in your software or spreadsheet.
• Begin with your starting task, and end with the activity that completes the project.
Everything else can fit in the middle based on relationships and your resources,
availability, etc.
• At this point, you can add dates, resources, and progress (if the project is already
underway).
• You can also input any other relevant information you want to track.
• If you’re using project management software, it will automatically create a chart for you.
• Using a spreadsheet, you will have to create and format a chart manually.
• Once your chart is created, remember to update it as things change.
• It’s important to review your chart at least once a week to reflect progress and other
changes to your project.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 11
Project Management using Gantt Project cont..
What Gantt chart software should you use?
• There are several options out there for project teams.
• For simple projects, you can start with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel, both of which
have templates that allow you to build a project management chart from scratch.
• These tools are sufficient for small teams or individual projects that don’t need advanced
Gantt chart features.
• It’s preferable to use a project scheduling tool over a spreadsheet.
• If you’re managing a project with multiple aspects — like resource management,
collaboration, and reporting — you’ll save time by using a dedicated project management
platform with a built-in Gantt chart feature.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 12


Objectives of Activity Planning
• What is an Activity in Project Management?
• In project management, an "activity" is simply a specific task or job that needs to be done
for a project.
• These activities are important because they help break down the project into smaller,
manageable parts, making it easier to plan and organize.
• Each activity has its own start and end dates, and it needs certain resources and people to
get done.
• By identifying and defining activities, project managers can create a clear plan for the
project, assign resources effectively, and keep track of progress.
• Activities are the building blocks of the project schedule, ensuring that everything gets
done on time and within budget.

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Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
Types of Activities

1.Sequential Activities: These are tasks that must be completed in a specific order. For
example, designing a product must precede manufacturing it.

2.Parallel Activities: These are tasks that can be executed simultaneously without
dependencies. For instance, while the design team works on product design, the
marketing team can start creating promotional materials.

3.Critical Path Activities: These are activities that, if delayed, would directly impact the
project's overall timeline. The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities
that determine the shortest possible duration for completing the project.

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Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
Characteristics of Activities
1.Unique and Measurable: Each activity should be distinct and clearly defined, with
measurable outcomes or milestones.

2.Time-Bound: Activities have specific start and end dates or durations, contributing to the
overall project timeline.

3.Resource Consumption: Activities consume various resources such as human resources,


materials, equipment, and budget allocation.

4.Dependency: Activities may have dependencies on other activities, meaning that the
completion of one activity is necessary before another can start.

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Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
Why are Project Activities Important?
1. Simplifying Complex Projects: Projects can be overwhelming because they involve lots
of different tasks. Activities break down these big projects into smaller, easier-to-handle
pieces.

2. Better Planning and Scheduling: Activities are like building blocks for planning a
project. They help figure out when each part of the project should happen, who's needed,
and what resources are required.

3. Using Resources Wisely: Each activity needs certain things to get done, like people,
tools, or materials. By knowing what each activity needs, project managers can make sure
resources are used in the best possible way.

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Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
Why are Project Activities Important? Cont..
4. Keeping Track of Progress: Activities are like checkpoints along the way. By seeing
which activities are finished and which aren't, project managers can tell if the project is
going as planned or if there are any problems.

5. Dealing with Problems Early: Because activities help track progress, project
managers can spot any issues early on. This means they can fix things before they
become big problems that could delay the whole project.

6. Talking to Everyone Involved: Activities give everyone involved in the project a


common language to talk about what's happening. It's easier to tell stakeholders what's
been done, what's happening now, and what's still left to do by referring to specific
activities.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 17


Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
• The objective of software project planning is to provide a framework that enables the
manager to make reasonable estimates of resources, cost, and schedule.
1. Feasibility assessment:- Is the project possible within required timescales and resource
constraints?
2. Resource Allocation:- What are the most effective ways of allocating resources to the
project. When should the resources be available.
3. Detailed Costing:- How much will the project cost and when is that expenditure likely
to take place?
4. Motivation:- Providing targets and being seen to monitor achievement against targets is
an effective way of motivating staff.
5. Co-ordination:- When do the staff in different departments need to be available to work
on a particular project.

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Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
Project Activities Examples
Example 1: Designing a Website
• Activity Description: This involves creating wireframes, mockups, and design layouts for
the website based on client requirements and industry standards.
• Resources Required: Graphic designers, UX/UI designers, and design software/tools.
• Timeframe: Typically, this activity can take several days to weeks, depending on the
complexity of the website and the revisions required.
Example 2: Developing Software Modules
• Activity Description: Developing specific modules or features of a software application
as per the project's scope and technical specifications.
• Resources Required: Software developers, coding tools/IDEs, and version control
systems.
• Timeframe: Each module development may vary in duration, ranging from days to
weeks, depending on complexity and dependencies.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 19
Objectives of Activity Planning cont..
• Project activities are important parts of managing projects.
• They help to plan, track progress, and communicate with everyone involved.
• Breaking down big projects into smaller tasks, and activities makes it easier to manage
and complete projects successfully.
• They help to avoid problems, meet deadlines, and achieve project goals.
• So, understanding and managing project activities well is key to making sure projects are
done right and on time.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 20


Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling
What Is a Project Schedule?
• A project schedule is a timetable that organizes tasks, resources and due dates in an ideal
sequence so that a project can be completed on time.
• A project schedule is created during the planning phase and includes the following:
• A project timeline with start dates, end dates and milestones
• The work necessary to complete the project deliverables
• The costs, resources and dependencies associated with each task
• The team members that are responsible for each task
• Project schedules are created and tracked with project scheduling software, which has key
features that allow project managers to monitor the progress of tasks, resources and costs
in real time.
• They can also assign work, link dependent tasks, view dashboards, allocate resources and
more.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 21
Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
• ProjectManager, for example, has online Gantt charts for scheduling tasks and resources,
but also team management features and reporting tools for a comprehensive project
management platform.

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Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
What’s Included in a Project Schedule?
• Project schedules are created during the project planning phase and are crucial to the
creation of a project plan, where the schedule plan, schedule baseline, deliverables and
requirements are identified.
• The project schedule is designed to guide the project team throughout the execution phase
of the project.
• Then, during the execution phase, the schedule baseline is compared against the actual
project progress.

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Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
What’s Included in a Project Schedule? cont..
The following are included in the creation of a project schedule:
1. Deliverables
2. Tasks
3. Task start and end dates
4. Task dependencies
5. Project calendar
6. Work packages
7. Task duration and project timeline
8. Budgets
9. Resource availability
10. Schedule risk analysis
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 24
Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
Project Schedule Steps
• When creating a schedule, you can use a project schedule template, which offers project
schedule examples and a project schedule spreadsheet for free.
• But a template can only take you so far.
• A project schedule is not just a standard timetable that works for every project.
• There are different project scheduling techniques and project planning tools involved in
the scheduling process.
• Also, every project has different resources, timetables, scope considerations and other
unique variables that must be considered in the schedule management plan.
• Using project management software integrates the schedule into other project
management tools, such as Gantt charts, dashboards and reports to monitor progress, as
well as kanban boards to manage workflows.

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Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
Project Schedule Steps cont..
• Whichever path you choose, these are the steps to create a project schedule:
1. Create the schedule plan for your project
2. Define who has authority over the schedule
3. Identify start and end dates for project activities and tasks
4. Figure out task dependencies
5. Sequence activities and tasks chronologically to create a project calendar
6. Estimate needed resources and resource availability
7. Determine duration of activities and tasks
8. Build project schedule
9. Monitor and control the schedule throughout the project life cycle

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 26


Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
What Are the Project Scheduling Techniques?
• Estimating the duration of project tasks as accurately as possible is key to creating a
realistic schedule.
• To do this requires the use of various project scheduling techniques.
• Project managers can interview their team and other stakeholders to get their perspective
on how long certain tasks can take, and can refer to historic data from similar past
projects.
• Additionally, project managers can use project scheduling techniques to increase the
accuracy of their time estimates and minimize schedule risk.
• The critical path method (CPM) is an equation that shows the longest possible timeline
for the project.
• The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) also visualizes the flow of tasks
for better estimates but shows task dependencies as well.

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Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
What Are the Project Scheduling Techniques? cont..
• Project managers will also use schedule compression techniques such as project crashing
and fast tracking which can reduce the schedule duration without impacting the project
scope.
• Simulation, resource-leveling heuristics, creating a task list, using a project calendar and
using a Gantt chart are all other tools that can help with estimation, collection and
tracking of project tasks.
• A work breakdown structure (WBS) shows how many tasks and deliverables there are to
get to your final deliverable.
• It’s a network diagram that has your project goal on top with “branches” underneath that
show all the steps needed to get you there.
• This tool makes sure you don’t leave out anything when devising your schedule.
• A workback schedule is another technique that allows you to break down the project
scope and identify all the tasks, activities, deliverables and milestones.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 28
Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
What Are the Project Scheduling Techniques? cont..
• Regardless of your preferred scheduling methods, you need a tool designed to
accommodate them equally.
• ProjectManager’s Gantt charts allow you to create timelines, apply a work breakdown
structure and automatically calculate the critical path.
• Need to cut down on the white noise and view specific information?
• Filter for exactly what you want to see, whether it be incomplete tasks, overdue tasks,
tasks assigned to certain team members or anything else you like.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 29


Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
What Are the Project Scheduling Techniques? cont..

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 30


Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
Sequencing and Scheduling Activities
• Project and its activities must be clearly defined to achieve the target.
• An activity plan will contain the following factors:
• A project is basically, composed of number of interrelated activities.
• The initiation of a project happens only if at least one activity is ready to start.
• An activity is clearly defined with its start and end point that produce good
deliverables.
• Activity requiring resources must be analyzed well in advance and made available
during the execution.
• Some activities would depend on other activities for them to complete.
• A project can attain its completion only when all activities have been completed.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 31


Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
Sequencing and Scheduling Activities
• Scheduling is required for every activity that is planned along with the resources and can
be represented using a bar chart.
• The chart describes the nature of the development process and the resources available for
completing the specified activities

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 32


Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling cont..
Sequencing and Scheduling Activities
• The chart defines two factors: sequencing of tasks and the schedule of the task.
Scheduling includes the staff availability and the activities allocated to them.
• Combining sequencing – scheduling approach is suitable only for smaller projects and
needs to be separated for complex projects as individual process.
• In case of larger projects, the logical relationship between the activities are grouped
together and then scheduled for resources.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 33


Network Planning Models
• The project scheduling techniques model the project's activities and their relationships as a
network. In the network, time flows from left to right.
• The two best known being CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation Review
Technique).
• Both of these techniques used an activity-on-arrow approach to visualizing the project as a
network where activities are drawn as arrows joining circles, or nodes which represent the
possible start and/or completion of an activity or set of activities.
• More recently a variation on these techniques, called precedence network, has become popular.
• This method uses activity-on-node networks where activities are represented as nodes and the
links between nodes represent precedence (or sequencing) requirements.
• This latter approach avoids some of the problems inherent in the activity-on-arrow representation
and provides more scope for easily representing certain situations.
• This method is adopted in the majority of computer applications currently available.
• These three methods are very similar and it must be admitted that many people use the same name
(particularly CPM) indiscriminately to refer to any or all of the methods.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 34
Network Planning Models cont..
What is a Project Network?
• A project network is the interconnected framework of tasks and activities within a project,
illustrating their sequence, dependencies, and interrelations.
• It visually demonstrates how various project components link together and contribute to
achieving project goals.
• Project networks are typically portrayed through diagrams like PERT or CPM charts,
aiding project managers in efficiently planning, scheduling, and overseeing project
endeavors.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 35


Network Planning Models cont..
What is a Network Diagram in Project Management?
• A network diagram in project management is a visual representation of project tasks and
their relationships, illustrating the sequence of activities, dependencies, and critical path
to help plan and manage project execution effectively.
• By mapping out these relationships, project managers can identify the sequence in which
tasks need to be completed and determine the critical path—the longest sequence of
dependent tasks that determines the project's duration.

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Network Planning Models cont..
• Network diagrams help project managers:

1. Sequence Tasks: They provide a clear understanding of the order in which tasks should
be executed, ensuring that work progresses smoothly from one activity to the next.

2. Identify Dependencies: By showing the relationships between tasks, network diagrams


highlight dependencies—where the completion of one task depends on the start or
completion of another. This helps in managing task dependencies effectively.

3. Determine the Critical Path: The critical path is the longest sequence of tasks that
determines the shortest possible duration of the project. By identifying the critical path,
project managers can focus their efforts on managing and optimizing tasks along this
path to ensure timely project completion.

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Network Planning Models cont..
4. Estimate Project Duration: By analyzing the sequence of tasks and dependencies,
project managers can estimate the overall duration of the project more accurately,
taking into account potential delays and dependencies.
5. Allocate Resources: Network diagrams help in resource allocation by providing
insights into when and where resources are needed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Overall, network diagrams are valuable tools for project managers to plan, execute, and
monitor projects effectively, ensuring that tasks are completed in the right order and
project objectives are achieved within the desired timeframe

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Network Planning Models cont..
• Types of Project Network Diagrams

• In project management, there are two types of network diagrams: the arrow diagramming
method (ADM), also known as "activity network diagram" or "activity on arrow"; and
the precedence diagramming method (PDM), also known as "node network" or "activity
on node.”

1. Arrow Diagram Method (ADM)


• The ADM, or activity network diagram, depicts project-related activities using arrows.

• It is crucial to note that, due to its limitations, the ADM is no longer commonly utilized in
project management.
• However, understanding ADMs will help you recognize them if they appear in your
workplace.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 39
Network Planning Models cont..
1. Arrow Diagram Method (ADM)

In ADM:

2. The tail of the arrow signifies the beginning of the action, while the head represents the
end.

3. The length of the arrow often represents the duration of the action.

4. Each arrow connects two boxes, called "nodes." Nodes are used to indicate the
beginning or end of an activity in a sequence. The initial node of an activity is
sometimes referred to as the "i-node," whereas the last node of a sequence is sometimes
referred to as the "j-node."

5. The only relationship between nodes and activity that an ADM chart may indicate is
"finish to start" (FS).
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 40
Network Planning Models cont..
1. Arrow Diagram Method (ADM)
• In some cases, ADM network diagrams require the inclusion of "dummy activities" to
represent indirect relationships.
• For instance, if activity C can only start after both activities A and B are finished, but A
and B are not directly related, a dummy activity is added between B and C to show this
dependency.
• For example, if pouring concrete (activity A) and obtaining permits (activity B) are
prerequisites for tiling a floor (activity C), a dummy activity would illustrate the
connection between B and C.
• Additionally, ADM charts lack a built-in mechanism for incorporating lead and lag times
without introducing new nodes and activities.

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Network Planning Models cont..
1. Arrow Diagram Method (ADM)

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 42


Network Planning Models cont..
2. Precedence Diagram Method (PDM)

• In contemporary project management, PDM network diagrams are commonly employed, offering
a streamlined substitute for ADMs.

• In the Precedence Diagramming Method, each node signifies an activity, while arrows depict
relationships between them.

• These arrows symbolize all four potential connections: "Finish to Start" (FS), "Start to Start"
(SS), "Finish to Finish" (FF), and "Start to Finish" (SF).

1. “Finish to Start” (FS): When an activity cannot start before another activity finishes

2. “Start to Start” (SS): When two activities can start simultaneously

3. “Finish to Finish” (FF): When two tasks need to finish together


4. “Start to Finish” (SF): This is an uncommon dependency and is only used when one activity
cannot finish until another activity starts
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 43
Network Planning Models cont..
2. Precedence Diagram Method (PDM)

• PDM allows you to write lead and lag times beside the arrows.

• If a given action will take 10 days to complete before the following activity can begin, for
example, you may simply put "10 days" over the arrow expressing the relationship
between the related nodes.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 44
Network Planning Models cont..
Advantages of Network Diagram

Network diagrams offer several advantages in project management:

1.Visualization: They provide a clear visual representation of project tasks, dependencies,


and critical path, making it easier for project teams to understand the project's structure and
workflow.

2.Sequence Planning: Network diagrams help project managers plan the sequence of tasks
more effectively, ensuring that work progresses in the correct order and minimizing delays.

3.Dependency Management: By highlighting task dependencies, network diagrams allow


project managers to identify and manage dependencies more efficiently, ensuring that tasks
are completed in the right sequence to avoid bottlenecks and conflicts.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 45


Network Planning Models cont..
Advantages of Network Diagram

4.Critical Path Analysis: Network diagrams help identify the critical path—the longest
sequence of tasks that determines the project's duration. This allows project managers to
focus their efforts on managing and optimizing tasks along the critical path to ensure timely
project completion.

5.Resource Allocation: By analyzing task dependencies and durations, project managers


can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that resources are available when and
where they are needed throughout the project.

6.Risk Identification: Network diagrams help project managers identify potential risks and
uncertainties by highlighting dependencies and critical path tasks. This allows project teams
to proactively address risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate their impact on the
project.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 46
Network Planning Models cont..
Advantages of Network Diagram

4.Critical Path Analysis: Network diagrams help identify the critical path—the longest
sequence of tasks that determines the project's duration. This allows project managers to
focus their efforts on managing and optimizing tasks along the critical path to ensure timely
project completion.

5.Resource Allocation: By analyzing task dependencies and durations, project managers


can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that resources are available when and
where they are needed throughout the project.

6.Risk Identification: Network diagrams help project managers identify potential risks and
uncertainties by highlighting dependencies and critical path tasks. This allows project teams
to proactively address risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate their impact on the
project.
MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 47
Network Planning Models cont..
Advantages of Network Diagram

7.Communication: Network diagrams serve as valuable communication tools, allowing


project teams to communicate project plans, timelines, and dependencies effectively with
stakeholders, clients, and team members.

Overall, network diagrams play a crucial role in project planning, execution, and
monitoring, helping project managers optimize workflows, minimize risks, and ensure
successful project outcomes.

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 48


Formulating Network Model
• The first stage in creating a network model is to represent the activities and their
interrelationships as a graph.
• In activity-on-node we do this by representing activities as links (arrowed lines) in the
graph — the nodes (circles) representing the events of activities starting and finishing.
• Constructing precedence networks
• A project network should have only one start node
• A project network should have only one end node
• A node has duration
• A node represents an activity and, in general, activities take time to execute.
• Links normally have no duration
• Precedents are the immediate preceding activities

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Formulating Network Model cont..
• In Figure, the activity 'Program test' cannot start until both 'Code' and 'Data take-on' have
been completed and activity 'Install' cannot start until 'Program test' has finished.
• 'Code' and Data take-on' can therefore be said to be precedents of 'Program test', and
'Program test' is a precedent of 'Install’.
• Note that we do not speak of 'Code' and 'Data take-on' as precedents of 'Install' - that
relationship is implicit in the previous statement.
• Time moves front left to right

Fig : Fragment of a precedence network


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Formulating Network Model cont..
• A network may not contain loops.
• Figure demonstrates a loop in a network.
• A loop is an error in that it represents a situation that cannot occur in practice.
• While loops, in the sense of iteration, may occur in practice, they cannot be directly
represented in a project network.

Fig : A Loop representing an impossible sequence

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Formulating Network Model cont..
• A network should not contain dangles.
• A dangling activity such as 'Write user manual' in Figure should not exist as it is likely to
lead to errors in subsequent analysis.
• Redraw the network with a final completion activity — which, at least in this case, is
probably a more accurate

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Formulating Network Model cont..
• Representing lagged activities
• We might come across situations where we wished to undertake two activities in parallel
so long as there is a lag between the two.
• We might wish to document amendments to a program as it was being tested -
particularly if evaluating a prototype.
• Where activities can occur in parallel with a time lag between them, we represent the lag
with a duration on the linking arrow as shown in Figure below.
• This indicates that documenting amendments can start one day after the start of prototype
testing and will be completed two days after prototype testing is completed.

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Summary
The following topics are discussed in detail.
• Project Planning
• Steps for Project Planning
• PERT and Gantt Charts
• Introduction to Project Management using Gantt Project
• Objectives of Activity planning
• Project Schedules, Activities, Sequencing and Scheduling
• Network Planning Models
• Formulating Network Model

MITACSC Dr. Bharati Kawade Software Project Management 54

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