BBA360 PROJECT 5 Team 3

Project Network Diagrams:

Project Network Diagrams BBA 360 April 11, 2011 Brandon Dahl, Marlos Hill, Tamara Martin & Joshua Winn

Arrow on Arrow ( AoA):

Arrow on Arrow ( AoA ) Critical Path is often determined by using arrow on arrow charts to show both the latest and earliest times a project can be completed.

Using Action on Arrow to draw a PND:

Using Action on Arrow to draw a PND Activity Dependency Duration A - 4 B - 3 C A 2 D A 5 E B 2 F C 3 G D 2 H E 1 I F, G, H 3 Activity – Any activity required to complete the project. Dependency – This refers to an activity’s dependence on other activities being complete. For example, the table here shows that A & B are not dependent on any other activities, but C is dependent on A being completed. Duration - This is the amount of time each activity will take to complete. This can be in minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc.

How to read an AoA chart:

How to read an AoA chart The arrow represents the activity The NAME and DURATION of each Activity will be displayed in this format: A = 4 Each activity has a Start and End NODE Activity Dependency Duration A - 4 B - 3 C A 2 D A 5 E B 2 F C 3 G D 2 H E 1 I F, G, H 3

Example of Activity on Arrow :

Example of Activity on Arrow Activity Dependency Duration A - 4 B - 3 C A 2 D A 5 E B 2 F C 3 G D 2 H E 1 I F, G, H 3 A = 4 F = 3 H = 1 I = 3 B = 3 C = 2 D = 5 E = 2 G = 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

When should an AoA chart be used?:

When should an AoA chart be used? When scheduling and monitoring tasks within a project or process with several dependant tasks and resources. When you know the steps of the project or process, their sequence, and how long each step takes. When your project schedule is critical and there is a serious consequence for completing the project late or a significant advantage to completing the project early.

Bar Charts:

Bar Charts The usage of bar charts in project management is common and often looked upon as one of the best options for displaying a project’s progress. As a Project Network Diagram, bar charts present the opportunity to display progress, data and information in a relational manner. This allows members of a team to understand details in a visual representation that gives as much information as necessary.

How are bar charts used?:

How are bar charts used? Bar charts are typically used to represent activity within the project; more specifically start points, end points, dependencies and other more specific scheduling details for the project. Bar charts are also flexible and can be tailored for conveying information to a number of different potential stakeholders.

Confusion with Milestone Charts:

Confusion with Milestone Charts Bar charts are often confused with milestone charts. While bar charts are typically detailed, milestone charts are better suited for delivering information to individuals not necessarily involved in the project.

Gantt Charts :

Gantt Charts The Gantt Chart is one of the oldest and most used charts in project management. Developed by Henry Gantt, it is a tool that displays the progression of a project in a specialized chart. Gantt charts are very easy to put together and can be done using a variety of programs.

Advantages of Gantt Charts:

Advantages of Gantt Charts Clarity - One of the biggest benefits of a Gantt chart is the tool's ability to boil down multiple tasks and timelines into a single document. Communication - Teams can use Gantt charts to replace meetings and enhance other status updates. Simply clarifying chart positions offers an easy, visual method to help team members understand task progress. Time Management - Most managers regard scheduling as one of the major benefits of Gantt charts in a creative environment. Helping teams understand the overall impact of project delays can foster stronger collaboration while encouraging better task organization. President Obama, clearly expressing his preference for the Gantt Chart.

References:

References Activity network diagram . (2009). Retrieved from http://www.bexcellence.org/Activity-Network-Diagram.html Seven new management and planning tools: arrow diagram . (2004). Retrieved from http://asq.org/learn-about-quality/new-management-planning-tools/overview/arrow-diagram.html http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/2434.aspx http://www.ganttchart.com/ BSCW. (2009). Basic Support for Cooperative Work Documentation. Retrieved from: http://www.bscw.de/files/help-4.4/english/index.html?turl=WordDocuments%2Fbarcharts.htm Rahulraxx . (2010, December).Confusion Between Milestone Chart and Bar Chart. [ msg 2]. Message posted to http://pmzilla.com/confusion-between-milestone-chart-amp-bar-chart