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1. What are the pros and cons of project scheduling?

Project scheduling tools, also known as project management software, are designed to
help you organize and manage projects more efficiently. There are many different types of
project management tools -- some are basic organizers, while others help to plan and track all
aspects of a project. There are many advantages and disadvantages of project scheduling tools
that you should think about before you decide if one would be a wise investment for your small
business needs.
Allows For Interchangeability
One of the major benefits of a project scheduling tool is that once all the project
information, including deadlines and project phases, are inputted into the software, the program
manages the notifications and organizes the tasks for you. This is can be a great advantage if
your main project manager leaves the company, as his replacement can be brought up to speed
very quickly. Another benefit is that the project management tool will remind you about small
details and items that can be easily overlooked or forgotten.
Provides Tracking
When you have several employees working on one project using a collaboration tool, you
will actually be able to see who is doing what and when they are doing it. This allows you to see
if someone is constantly missing deadlines, as well as can help you identify your top performers.
While you want to promote a team atmosphere, project management tools can help you figure
out your weak links.
Cost
The cost of project management software can be an advantage or a disadvantage
depending on the type of tool you purchase. Project management software is available in two
main ways: web-based and desktop software. Web-based project scheduling tools, also known as
Software as a Service or SaaS, do not require an upfront investment, such as purchasing a
software license. You can simply pay a monthly subscription fee based on the number of users.
Desktop software is installed on your network server or on a single user's hard drive. It requires a
licensing fee and may cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the necessary
features and scope of the software.

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Complications
Some of disadvantages of project scheduling tools are that they tend to make even simple
projects very complicated. The software may recommend 10 steps, but you really only need three
to get the job done properly. They also do not allow much room for flexibility, which is
necessary in the real world. Projects will inevitably have delays that are out of your control, and
you need to be able to make changes and tweaks as necessary.

Task constraints place restrictions on the ways that start and finish times are calculated in
a task. There are flexible and inflexible task constraints. Flexible task constraints aren’t
associated with particular dates whereas inflexible constraints are associated with particular
dates.The eight typical task constraints are:

• As Late As Possible (flexible) – Finish the task as late as possible. This constraint is used
when the project manager is scheduling the project from the projected finish date.
• As Soon As Possible (flexible) – Start the task as soon as possible.
• Finish No Earlier Than – This schedules a task to finish on or after a specific date.
• Finish No Later Than – This schedules a task to finish on or before a particular date.
• Must Finish On – This is an inflexible constraint; this constraint is a hard and fast deadline.
• Must Start On – Another inflexible constraint, this ensures that the task begins on a
particular day.
• Start No Earlier Than – The task will be scheduled to begin on or after the date given here.
• Start No Later Than – The task will be scheduled to begin on or before the date given here.

2. Briefly summarize how a network is drawn.

Just like networks, a network diagram can have a lot of elements depending on the
complexity. It’s helpful to draw a network diagram on paper first. Start by listing all the
components (cloud, servers, clients, mainframes, peripherals, hubs, routers, etc.) that will be part
of the diagram. Next, draw lines between the elements to see how they will connect to each
other. It’s best not to let the lines cross each other, that way you can clearly see the connection
points.

Once you have a general layout, it’s time to use network diagram software to map it out.
Before trying to create the diagram manually using a basic tool, look for a network diagram
template that can provide a general starting point. The tool you use to create it should have
images readily available to represent all the parts of your network. You’ll also want an option
with a grid background so you can easily align and position items on the diagram.

As the diagram starts to materialize, start customizing it. Start by naming all the elements
on the diagram and then change the font and size of text when naming peripherals versus
backend components. Try using different colors for the lines that symbolize connections. Adding
these elements will provide more texture to the diagram. When the network diagram is complete,

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you should be able to save and print it. If you used an online tool, you’ll also be able to share it
via a link (or other format) and even invite others to work on it as well.

As the name suggests, it is a visual representation of a cluster or a small structure of


networking devices. It not only shows the components of this network but also depicts how they
are interconnected.

While network diagrams were initially used to depict devices, it is now widely used for
project management as well.

Network diagrams can be of two types

Physical: This type of network diagram showcases the actual physical relationship
between devices/components which make the network.

Logical: This type of diagram shows how the devices communicate with each other and
information flows through the network. It is mostly used to depict subnets, network devices, and
routing protocols.

What are the Network Diagram Symbols Used?

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These are the commonly used symbols used in a network diagram. However, there are
many other symbols which can make your network diagram precise and clear.

Once you select a network diagram template, Creately automatically loads the relevant
symbols for you along with the names below it to make it simple and quick.

Referrences:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-using-project-scheduling-tool-
19278.html
"Project 2007: Working with Task Relationships" and "Project 2007: Setting Task Deadlines"

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www.lucidchart.com › pages › how-to-draw-a-network-diagram
https://creately.com/blog/diagrams/network-diagram-guide-tutorial/

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