Glossaries

Constraint An artificial limitation based upon information not recorded in the logic network that affects
when an activity can be scheduled.
Crashing The technique of reducing overall schedule time frame by either sequencing activities and/or
reducing activity times by expenditures such as overtime.
Dummy activity Colloquial term to describe a logic restraint. In ADM, a zero duration activity used to
achieve unique numbering (ij) for an activity, or to record complex logic between activities. In PDM, a
zero-duration activity used to achieve a hammock.
Event A point in time representing the intersection of two or more arrows. The event has no time
duration. It can be a milestone. Junction between two or more activities in a logical network.
Expected time: the mean activity duration for a PERT activity.
Independent float Activity float that identifies the scheduling flexibility that will neither reduce the total
float (delay the early start) of any succeeding activities if used nor reduce the total float (push back the
late finish) of any preceding activities if planned to be used.
Lead An acceleration of the successor activity allowing it to start before completion of its predecessor
activity.
Logic restraint Aconnection used as a logical connector that does not represent actual work items.
Usually represented by a dashed line. Sometimes called a dummy, because it does not represent
work; it is an indispensable part of a CPM network.
Path convergence Two or more network paths merging into the same event or node.
Path divergence Two or more network paths emerging from an event or node.
Remaining duration The time remaining in a schedule activity in progress.
Resource leveling Schedule network analysis in which the activity start and finish are driven by resource
constraints as well as logic.
Schedule Planned dates for performing scheduled activities and meeting schedule milestones usually
derived from a planned logical network.
S. Curve Graphic display of cumulative project factors, such as cost and manpower, which is derived
from the typical flat rate of progress at the project start and conclusion, with higher rate of progress in
between.
Slack In PERT, the scheduling flexibility available for an event, equivalent to total float in CPM.
Sort Same as edit.
Stakeholder Persons and/or organizations who are involved in a project schedule who may either
influence the success of the schedule or are impacted by it.
Start-to-finish(S-F) Logical relationship where completion of predecessor activity must precede start of
successor.
Start-to-start(S-S) Predecessor activity must start before (or at the same time) successor activity can
start.
Subnetwork Amplification or overlay of a section of the CPM network to study a special sequence or
establish a difficult time estimate. See fragnet.
Summary network Summary of the CPM network for presentation purposes comprised of hammock
activities.
Task A component scope of work that is part of an activity.
Time impact evaluation Use of a fragnet or subnetwork to evaluate the impact of an event such as a
change of order or unusual occurrence on the baseline schedule; known as TIE. This is also known as
time impact analysis (TIA).
Total float Measure of scheduling flexibility available on a network path.
Updating Regular, periodic review, analysis, evaluation, and recomputation of
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION A unique activity name and word description, which generally defines the work
to be accomplished which easily identifies an activity to any recipient of the schedule. (6/07)
ACTIVITY DEFINITION Process of identifying specific activities that must be performed to produce
project deliverables. [8] (6/07)
ACTIVITY DURATION
(1) Length of time from start to finish of an activity, estimated or actual, in working or calendar time
units.
(2) Best estimate of continuous time (hours, days, weeks, and months) needed to complete the work
involved in
an activity. This takes into consideration the nature of the work, and the resources needed to complete
the task.
Baseline activity duration development can become very complex when productivity impacts and
nonstandard
Production rates must be utilized to meet the constraints of the project.
See: DURATION. (6/07)

Start-restricted float. The amount of time we can delay the rest of the work in the activity, after it has
started on its critical start date, without delaying the entire project.
Finish-restricted float. The amount of time we can delay the start of work on the activity, or the rest of it
if it has started, then finish on time without delaying the entire project.
Double-restricted float. The amount of time we have to delay the rest of the work in the activity after it
has started, then finish on time without delaying the entire project.
Unrestricted float. The amount of time we can delay all or part of the activity without delaying the entire
project.