Ultimate Lasagna

Project Network Diagram ​2 People

(Pasta, Bech. Sauce Prepared
by one person, Ragu Prepared
by one person)

Critical
Task =
Ultimate Lasagna Project Network Diagram
1 Person​ (Ragu Sauce, Bech. Sauce
bought pre-made)

Critical Task =
 Ultimate Lasagna Gantt Chart Two People

Time needed to complete cooking recipe: 3 hours, 35 minutes

 Ultimate Lasagna Gantt Chart One Person

Time needed to complete cooking recipe: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Lasagna Predecessor Table (one person)

Task Time to Time Predecessor

Complete Frame
A Heat Ragu 10 mins 6:00-6:10 -

B Heat Bechamel Sauce 10 mins 6:00-6:10 -

C Blanch Pasta 4 mins 6:06-6:10 -

D Layer Pan w/ ⅓ Bechamel Mixture 2 mins 6:10-6:12 B

E Lay Pasta Over Bechamel 2 mins 6:12-6:14 C, D

F Add Cheese, Pepper 1 min 6:14-6:15 E

G Ragu 2 min 6:15-6:17 A, F

H Repeat Layering Two Times 14 Mins 6:17-6:31 D, E, F, G

I Add More Cheese 2 mins 6:31-6:33 D, E, F, G, H

J Butter Knots on Top of Cheese 2 mins 6:33-6:35 I

K Bake for 30 Minutes 30 mins 6:35-7:05 J

L Let Cool for 5 Minutes 5 mins 7:05-7:10 K

Ultimate Lasagna Master Predecessor Table (2 People)

Task Time to Time Predecessor

Complete Frame
A Make Ragu 155 Mins 6:00-8:35 -

B Make Bechamel Sauce 30 mins 8:00-8:30 -

C Blanch Pasta 4 mins 8:20-8:24 -

D Layer Pan w/ ⅓ Bechamel 2 mins 8:35-8:37 B

Mixture

E Lay Pasta Over Bechamel 2 mins 8:37-8:39 C, D

F Add Cheese, Pepper 1 min 8:39-8:40 E

G Ragu 2 min 8:40-8:42 A, F

H Repeat Layering 7 Mins 8:42-8:49 D, E, F, G

I Repeat Layering 7 mins 8:49-8:56 D, E, F, G, H

J Butter Knots on Top of Cheese 2 mins 8:58-9:00 I

K Bake for 30 Minutes 30 mins 9:00-9:30 J

L Let Cool for 5 Minutes 5 mins 9:30-9:35 K

Ragu Predecessor Table

Task Time to Time Predecessor

Complete Frame
A Light Boil Olive Oil 3 Mins 6:00-6:03 -

B Add Celery & Carrots 16 mins 6:03-6:19 A

C Add Rosemary & Garlic 3 mins 6:19-6:22 B

D Add Beef & Pork 10 mins 6:22-6:32 C

E Add Red Wine 2 mins 6:32-6:34 D

F Add Tomato Stock 3 mins 6:34-6:37 E

G Let Cook 120 mins 6:37-8:37 F

Bechamel Predecessor Table

Task Time to Time Predecessor

Complete Frame
A Melt Butter 2 mins 8:00-8:02 -

B Add Flour 12 mins 8:02-8:14 A

C Beat 4 mins 8:14-8:18 B

D Milk in Pan 1 min 8:18-8:19 -

E Add Bay Leaves, Onions, Nutmeg 3 mins 8:19-8:22 D

F Combine Little By Little, Wisking 8 mins 8:22-8:30 E, C

Mixture
Pasta Predecessor Table

Task Time to Time Predecessor

Complete Frame
A Blanch Pasta 4 mins 8:20-8:24 -
 Analysis
After completing this activity, it is obvious that there are pros and cons to using both the project network diagram and Gantt chart. Both are very
effective tools in helping a person plan out a project (in this case cooking a recipe). The project network diagram is a great tool for being able to visualize
which steps come before/after which steps. In addition the project network diagram allows the reader to get a sense of exactly how much work may be going
into a project. However, the project network diagram is lacking in allowing the reader to set realistic expectations for time frames needed to complete tasks.
While the reader can see what step comes next as well as how many more steps are left, it does not provide a relatable time scale for the project.
All of that being said, the use of the Gantt chart must be discussed. Where the project network diagram falls short, the Gantt chart helps greatly. It
allows the reader to get a good idea as to how long the project will take. It also allows the manager to see if tasks will overlap, and this is very important for
both setting up the scope and completing the planning process. On the contrary the Gantt chart does not fulfill the needs that the project network diagram
satisfies. The Gantt chart is much more of a specific tool; one must have a firm understanding of the project before actually using it whereas the project
network diagram can be understood by pretty much anyone interested in the project. In other words, the Gantt chart seems to be a secondary, more precise
tool that should be created after the critical pathway has been discovered by the project network diagram. The project network diagram shows the broad,
general tasks needed to complete a project. The Gantt chart gets down to the times needed to complete the project as well as possible overlaps, both of
which are not visible in the project network diagram.
Separately, the critical tasks in each of the different project network diagrams seemed to be different. This was not expected. Completing the
forwards backwards pass for both project network diagrams did, in fact, produce difference critical pathways for tasks.
There does not seem to be a quick answer to the question, “Which planning tool do I prefer?” It should go without saying that completing the
forwards backwards pass is essential regardless if one thinks the critical tasks will remain the same (obviously this activity is proof of that). As for the
project network diagram and the Gantt chart it seems that both serve their own purpose and thoroughly compliments the other. I do prefer the project
network diagram, but after this activity I would feel at a loss if I did not have the Gantt chart to go along with it.
This activity has helped me prepare for my project in many ways. It has shown me that there are different ways to complete a project, and by using
different ways to complete a project the time needed to complete can be changed. This activity showed me that there are multiple items that should be used
to properly plan a project. For example - I did not know how much time could actually be shaved off the project by simply working alone and using pre
made products. Also, I am now aware that the forwards backwards pass is important to discovering which tasks must stay on task in order to complete the
project on time, and that some task’s beginning and end times are a bit more flexible than others’. I will be applying what I have learned in this activity to
the planning of my project.