oll Gate 5: Network Analysis Operations Research

Imagine you are leading a project management team responsible for constructing a new office
building for a growing technology company. The project is complex and has multiple phases. You
have created a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and identified key project activities. The project's
success is critical to the company's growth and requires efficient management.

Describe how you would apply the Critical Path Method, and Programme Evaluation & Review
Technique to identify the critical path and assess project duration. Include a task in your office
building project that has dependencies and might affect the project's overall timeline.

ANSWERS:-

Applying Critical Path Method (CPM) and Programme Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT) in
Project Management:*

*1. Critical Path Method (CPM):*

- *Objective:* Identify the critical path and determine the project duration.

*Steps:*

a. *Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):* Break down the project into tasks and subtasks.

b. *Task Sequencing:* Determine the sequence and dependencies among tasks.

c. *Activity Duration Estimation:* Estimate the time required for each task.

d. *Forward Pass:* Calculate the earliest start and finish times for each task.

e. *Backward Pass:* Calculate the latest start and finish times for each task.

f. *Float Calculation:* Identify tasks with zero float; these are on the critical path.

g. *Critical Path:* The sequence of tasks with zero float represents the critical path.

h. *Project Duration:* The sum of durations along the critical path determines the project's
minimum duration.

*2. Programme Evaluation & Review Technique (PERT):*

- *Objective:* Provide a probabilistic estimate of project duration considering uncertainties.

*Steps:*

a. *Optimistic, Most Likely, and Pessimistic Estimates:* Gather estimates for each task.

b. *PERT Calculation:* Use the formula \( \text{PERT Estimate} = \frac{\text{Optimistic} + 4 \times

\text{Most Likely} + \text{Pessimistic}}{6} \) to calculate a weighted average for each task.

c. *Network Construction:* Create a network diagram considering dependencies and durations.

 d. *Critical Path Determination:* Identify the longest path based on PERT estimates.

e. *Probability Analysis:* Assess the probability of completing the project within a certain duration.

*Example Task with Dependencies:*

Consider the task "Install IT Infrastructure" in the office building project. Dependencies may include:

- Dependency 1: Completion of the construction phase.

- Dependency 2: Delivery and setup of IT equipment.

- Dependency 3: Inspection and approval of the building's electrical systems.

If any of these dependencies is delayed, it will impact the start of "Install IT Infrastructure,"
potentially affecting the overall project timeline. Identifying and managing these dependencies is
crucial for efficient project execution.

By applying CPM and PERT, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's critical path,
allowing you to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and manage uncertainties for
successful project completion.