Group 3 Discussion Question

Ashley Hicks ( Group Leader)

Daniel Fang
Ryan Bennett

6. What formulas can a project manager use to estimate task duration? Provide an
example.
The formula to estimate task duration is (B+4P+W)6. B is best estimate; P is probable case
estimate W is weight. For example, a manager might estimate it will take 10 days to update the
new firewalls, but he probably guesses it will take 15 days. At worst it could take 20 days. (10+
(4X15 +20)6 15 The project will take 15 days.

7. What is a common problem in calculating start and finish times? Provide an example.
There are a few different common problems to be aware of when calculating start and finish
times. First, when looking at start times, you must be aware of the preceding tasks. An example
is if a certain task cannot start until another ends. If you are not aware of preceding tasks, it
can mean that your overall task duration is incorrect. Another problem is to be aware of is when
calculating the finish time. Finish time is added to the start day/date. When calculating finish
time, you must be careful not to add too many days. The example given by the text is that if a
task has a duration of 5 days and starts on day 10, then the finish would be on day 14 and not on
day 15.
Rosenblatt, H. J. (2014). Systems Analysis and Design (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage
Learning.

8. Why is the critical path important? Why should a task be on the critical path?
The critical path is a set of jobs that are essential to the completion of the project. The critical
path is important because if any of the tasks involved were to be delayed then the entire project
will become delayed as well. A task should be on the critical path if that task has no slack time
and must be performed on schedule, in a certain order, in order to meet the project completion
deadline. The critical path can be calculated by determining the start and finish date for each
task.
9. Why is it important to delver effective project reports and communications?
Reports and communications are important because they keep supervisors in

the know and make you stay within budget.

10. What is risk management, and why is it important? Provide an example.
Risk management involves identifying, analyzing, anticipating and monitoring
anything that could slow down a project. you can identity the potential risk ahead of
time, you can be proactive Me in coming up with a solution and avoid slowing down
a project.