PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS

GANTT CHART
Who Was Henry Gantt?
Henry Gantt was a social scientist and management consultant who also held a degree in mechanical
engineering. He worked in the field of scientific management, developing methods to streamline and
increase the productivity of corporations and their workforce. He created the Gantt chart in the 1910s
to help supervisors understand the progress of their labor force and to ensure tasks were on
schedule.1
What is a Gantt chart?
A Gantt chart is a project management tool assisting in the planning and scheduling of projects of all
sizes; they are particularly useful for visualising projects. A Gantt chart is defined as a graphical
representation of activity against time; it helps project professionals monitor progress.
Gantt charts are essentially task scheduling tools: project management timelines and tasks are
converted into horizontal bars (also called Gantt bars) to form a bar chart. These Gantt bars show
start and end dates, as well as dependencies, scheduling and deadlines, including how much of the
task is completed per stage and who is the task owner. Gantt charts show planned activity against
time; they are frequently used throughout projects, programmes and portfolios after tasks have been
identified using a work breakdown structure.
A timeline, like the Gantt chart is useful to keep tasks on track when there is a large team and
multiple stakeholders. They are a useful time management and progress tracking tool – you can also
use Gantt charts to find the longest path from project start to project completion which is known as
the critical path.
As it's a bar chart format, it’s possible to check progress with a quick glance. You can easily see:
 a visual display of the whole project
 timelines and deadlines of all tasks
 relationships and dependencies between the various activities
 project phases
Project management solutions that integrate Gantt charts give project managers insights into team
workloads, as well as current and future availability, which allows for more accurate scheduling.
Gantt charts have been around for nearly a century, having been invented by Henry Gantt, an
American mechanical engineer, around 1910.
How to use a Gantt Chart

The underlying concept of a Gantt chart is to map out the tasks to be completed and their order. This
can identify tasks that can be done in parallel – at the same time, or in sequence – one after another.
If we combine this with the project resources we can explore the trade-off between the scope (doing
what needs to be achieved), cost (using more or less resources) and the time scales for the project.
By adding more resources or changing the scope the project manager can see the effect on the end
date.
To create a Gantt chart you need to know all of the individual tasks required to complete the project,
an estimate of how long each task will take and which tasks are dependent on others. The very
process of pulling this information together helps a project manager focus on the essential parts of
the project and begin to establish a realistic timeframe for completion.
In summary:
 When you set up a Gantt chart, you need to think through all the tasks involved in your project
and divide them into manageable components.
 Then decide who will be responsible for each task, Gantt charts support resource allocation.
 Identify task relationships and decide on the completion date sequence for each task, showing the
expected time duration of the whole project and the sub tasks. A Gantt chart will show the tasks
in a sequential order and display task dependencies (i.e. how one task relates to another).
o Decide how long each task is likely to take.
o Decide the order in which tasks need to be completed.
o Identify areas where you don’t have enough resources (too many activities being
allocated to one person), or tasks that will taking too long to complete (the order of
activities results in the project being completed later than anticipated).
o Identify areas where the schedule can be refined, for example, can the date of any task
change? Can you get more resources?
 Determine and allocate your resources.
 Anticipate the risks and problems you may encounter and create a contingency plan for potential
problems.
Benefits of the Gantt chart
A Gantt chart helps in scheduling, managing, and monitoring specific tasks and resources in a
project. The chart shows the project timeline, which includes scheduled and completed work over a
period of time. The Gantt chart aids project managers in communicating project status and the
completion rate of specific tasks within a project and helps ensure the project remains on track. By
convention, it is a standard tool that unifies communication among the engineering and project
management communities.
Company A is taking on a project to install new software on the servers of a large investment bank.
Company A decides to create a Gantt chart to help manage the project and its different components.
The project’s tasks that require completion include conducting research, selecting a software
product, testing the software, and installing it. These tasks appear as vertical lines on the Gantt
chart. A milestone of the project is selecting the software.
The project’s duration is 40 days, as agreed upon between Company A and the investment bank.
Each task takes 10 days to complete, and each task is dependent on the previous task. A critical
activity is testing the software in the development and test environments.
The task start and end dates, duration, and milestones appear as horizontal bars on the Gantt chart.
The percentage of work completed for each task is also displayed on the horizontal bars. Using the
Gantt chart will help Company A map out the tasks along a timeline to reach full completion in 40
days.
What Is a Gantt Chart Used for?
Gantt charts help visualize various tasks and projects that occur simultaneously within an
organization, and how far along they have progressed. They are used by management to plan and
schedule such projects so that resources can be allocated in an optimal way and that projects that are
prioritized can finish before less important ones begin.
How do Gantt charts work?
Gantt charts work by breaking down projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Each task is
represented as a horizontal bar, the length of which indicates the task's duration. Tasks are arranged
vertically to display their sequence, while the horizontal axis represents time. The real magic of
Gantt charts lies in their ability to show the dependency of tasks and their overlap. By using a Gantt
chart, you can easily identify critical tasks and adjust schedules as needed.
How does a Gantt chart help with project management?
The significance of a Gantt chart in project management cannot be overstated. They are very
straightforward to understand and use. A Gantt chart is not just another fancy diagram for
presentations; it's a functional blueprint for your project’s lifetime. It serves as a navigational map,
guiding you through the intricacies of your project management journey.
Here are four reasons why project managers turn to Gantt charts to help with their project
management:
1. Gantt charts help manage task dependencies
In any given project, some tasks cannot start until others are completed. Gantt charts are a perfect
tool for visualizing and managing such task dependencies. By illustrating the sequential relationship
between tasks, they allow you to arrange tasks in a logical order and thus ensure smooth project
flow.
2. Gantt charts help visualize project timelines and dependencies
Time is of the essence in project management, and Gantt charts are an excellent tool for visualizing
project timelines. They provide a bird's-eye view of the entire project schedule, making it easier for
your team to understand both individual task timelines and the overall project timeline. This allows
everyone on your team to stay synced and aligned on project goals. Plus, you get to see the
dependencies among tasks visually, which makes planning and scheduling a breeze.
 3. Gantt charts help track project and task progress
Gantt charts allow you to track how much of the project has been completed and how much is left.
With bars representing tasks, it's easy to visualize the progress of each task and the project as a
whole.
4. Gantt charts help identify and manage bottlenecks
With Gantt charts, you can easily spot bottlenecks or tasks that might be lagging behind schedule.
This visibility empowers you to quickly step in, identify the root cause of the delay, and take
corrective action before it affects your project timeline significantly. Simply put, Gantt charts help
you avoid unnecessary surprises and keep your project sailing smoothly toward completion.
Key components of a Gantt chart
A Gantt chart may look like a simple bar chart on the surface, but it holds some intricate components
that are quintessential for effective project management. It is a robust and comprehensive tool
designed especially for project management. Understanding each component and how they work
together can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of any project.
Let's dive in and explore each of these components to grasp their significance in project planning and
execution.
1. Tasks or activities
The heart of any project lies in its tasks or activities, and similarly, these make up the fundamental
building blocks of a Gantt chart. Each task should be clearly defined and broken down into
manageable units, with each bar representing a specific task. The length of each bar corresponds to
the duration the said task is expected to take. Clarity in defining individual tasks will help streamline
the process and ensure there's no space for ambiguities..
2. Project timelines
The horizontal axis of a Gantt chart represents the project's timeline, horizontal timeline represents the
project duration, with each task displayed as a bar along the timeline. stretching from the start date to the
intended completion date. The timeline gives a bird's eye view of the project schedule, helping you plan
around key dates and deadlines. It's important to be realistic about your timeline based on the scope and
complexity of your project, to avoid crippling delays down the line.
3. Project milestones
One unique aspect of a Gantt chart is its ability to highlight important project milestones. These are
significant events or achievements in your project that mark a recovery point, a stage completion, or a
phase transition. Milestones are represented by diamond symbols (or other noticeable markers). They act
as morale boosters for the project team, as they signify significant progress.
4. Dependencies
dependencies are showcased in a Gantt chart as arrows or lines linking tasks that are interconnected.
They illustrate the relationship between different tasks, showing what tasks depend on each other's
completion to proceed. Dependencies are used to show task dependencies, indicating which tasks need
to be completed before others can start.

Apart from the four main parts of a Gantt chart, there are also some other parts that you should know
about
 Bars: Each task is represented by a bar on the chart, with the length of the bar indicating the
duration of the task.
 Duration: The length of each task bar represents the duration of that task, helping to visualize
the time required for completion.
 Percent Complete: This indicates the progress or completion percentage of each task, providing
an overview of the project’s progress.
 Resources: The Gantt chart can also show the allocation of resources to each task, whether it’s
team members, equipment, or materials.
 Critical Path: The critical path is the sequence of tasks that determine the overall project
duration. It is often highlighted or identified on the Gantt chart to help with project scheduling.
 Baseline: It refers to the initial plan or schedule against which the progress and deviations are
measured. It helps track any changes and their impact on the project timeline.
 Notes or Comments: Gantt charts may include notes or comments section to provide additional
information or details about specific tasks or milestones.
 Legend: A legend or key is usually included to explain the symbols or colors used in the chart,
making it easier to understand and interpret.
7 easy steps to create a Gantt chart for your project
Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of setting up your Gantt chart, it's important to understand the
basics. Here are five easy steps that guide you in creating a comprehensive, practical, and helpful
Gantt chart for your project:
Step 1: Establish project objectives
Begin by outlining your project’s goals and objectives. Clarity at this stage is vital because each step
depends on it. Your objectives need to be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and
Time-based. This step involves answering questions like:
1. What is the project meant to achieve?
2. What will be considered a success?
3. When should it be completed?
Step 2: Gather project data
A critical step for creating your own Gantt chart is gathering all necessary project data. The success
of your Gantt chart hinges on the accuracy and thoroughness of this initial data collection.
The more details, the better.
Here are a few questions to get you started:
Who is on your team?
What are their key skills?
What resources do you need?
Step 3: Determine project timelines and tasks
An accurate project timeline helps define the entirety of your project, from start to finish. This
includes planning and execution. You can start with:
 Identifying your project's start date and projected end date. It's okay if these aren't exact, they can
be adjusted as your project evolves.
 Breaking down your project into distinct, manageable tasks.
 Determining the expected amount of time each task should take to complete.
Step 4: Determine task dependencies
Before establishing dependencies, it’s best to identify task dependencies to prevent bottlenecks and
over-scheduling—some tasks can be done concurrently while others require the completion of a
previous task. Keeping these dependencies logical and realistic helps the project progress effectively.
Review each task to estimate duration and understand dependencies, which are tasks reliant on other
tasks. By identifying and illustrating these dependencies in a Gantt chart, you can prevent task
delays and bottlenecks, avoid time clashes, and ensure a smoother workflow.
Step 5: Assign resources and durations to tasks
Creating a Gantt chart also involves assigning resources to tasks. Assigning resources involves
detailing who will be responsible for each task and ensuring they have the necessary tools to
complete their work. These resources could be team members, equipment, or materials needed.
Assign a responsible person or team to each task. Identify the quantity of resources required for each
task. Allocate time durations to each task, taking into consideration the available resources and
complexity of each task. This step in creating a Gantt chart can greatly improve team accountability
and reduce confusion over who is doing what.
Step 6: Set milestones and deadlines
Setting milestones can guide your team's progress and should be plotted on a Gantt chart. Each
milestone represents a step toward achieving project goals and can be associated with task
completion, such as getting a draft approved. Let your Gantt chart act as a dependable project
scheduling tool by accurately estimating task durations and timelines, taking into account resource
availability, potential risks, and past project performance. Remember to assign responsible parties to
each milestone, identify task dependencies for a realistic timeline, and manage risks effectively. By
arranging milestones and tasks chronologically and adding dependencies where necessary, you can
provide a clear visual guide of your project's progression for your team..
Step 7: Visualize the Gantt chart
Choose a Gantt chart tool suitable for your needs. The horizontal bars in the chart represent tasks,
their duration, start, and endpoints, and their dependencies.
Tips to create the perfect Gantt chart for your project
A Gantt chart can be an excellent tool in your project management toolbox, but to reap the full
benefits, it needs to be used effectively. Below are some tips to help you make the best use of your
Gantt chart.
1. Regularly update the Gantt chart
A Gantt chart is a dynamic document that should be regularly updated to reflect project progress and
changes. Keeping your Gantt chart current allows you to easily track project progress, identify
potential issues, and adjust schedules as necessary.
2. Communicate the project status with stakeholders
One of the main benefits of a Gantt chart is its visual nature, making it an excellent communication
tool. Whether you’re dealing with team members, senior management, or clients, updating
stakeholders on project status is easy using a Gantt chart. By sharing the current status of tasks and
overall project progress, you can help keep everyone engaged and informed.
3. Use the Gantt chart as a collaborative tool
A Gantt chart doesn't have to be a strictly managerial tool. It can also function as a collaborative
platform for your team. This way, everyone can see where their tasks align with those of their
colleagues and how their individual work contributes to the project as a whole.
4. Customize your Gantt chart
Making your Gantt chart suit your project and your team's specific needs can greatly improve its
utility. Customizing aspects like task colors, dependency lines, and adding notes can make the chart
more user-friendly and easier to comprehend.
Choose the right Gantt chart tool
Choosing the right tool to build your Gantt chart is as crucial as the chart itself. Remember, the tool
must be user-friendly and equipped with the features necessary to carry out your project tasks
effectively.
When deciding on the best Gantt chart maker, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Ease of use and intuitive interface: No one likes a complicated tool. A Gantt chart tool should be
easy to navigate - easy to add tasks, assign tasks, and monitor progress.
 2. Collaborative features: Your team should be able to view the chart, make updates, and leave
comments on the tasks.
3. Customizable: The tool must allow you to customize your chart to fit your unique project
requirements.
How to Make a Gantt Chart?
Creating a Gantt chart is possible through Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, or Word. However, the easiest
way to create these is by using specialized Gantt chart tool. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get
started –
 Access Your Project: Select the project for which you want to create a Gantt chart on your
dashboard.
 Set Up Tasks and Milestones: Enter your project tasks, sub-tasks, and milestones, along with
their start and end dates.
 Adjust Timelines: You can visually adjust the timelines of each task by dragging the edges of the
bars in the Gantt chart.
 Identify Dependencies: Link tasks dependent on each other to see how changes in one task’s
timeline affect others.
 Monitor Progress: The Gantt chart will help you track the progress of tasks, showing how much
work is completed and what still needs to be done.
What Are the Advantages and disadvantages of Using Gantt Charts?
Well, like any tool, even there are advantages and disadvantages of Gantt charts. Even if the cons aren’t
deal-breaking, it’s better to be aware. Here are some of the most common pros and cons –
Pros:
 High-Level Overview: They visually represent the project timeline, making it easier to
understand the sequence and duration of tasks.
 Resource Management: Gantt charts help allocate resources effectively and manage time
efficiently.
 Tracking Progress: They allow for real-time tasks, benchmarks, and workflow tracking.
 Illustrating Dependencies: They clearly show how tasks overlap and how the start of one task
may depend on the completion of another.
Cons:
 Complexity: Gantt charts can become too complex and difficult to interpret as projects grow.
  Information Overload: Gantt charts can overwhelm you with too much information if poorly
designed.
 Maintenance: They require constant updates to reflect the project’s true status, which can be
time-consuming.
Who Uses Gantt Charts?
Gantt charts are a versatile project management tool used across various industries to plan, coordinate,
and track progress. Here are some of the different departments that utilize Gantt charts in their day-to-
day work:
 Consulting Agencies: Consultants use Gantt charts to manage client engagements, track
deliverables, and ensure that projects stay on schedule.
 Engineering Firms: Gantt charts provide a clear overview of tasks, dependencies, and
deadlines, enabling project managers to allocate resources and adjust plans.
 Software Development: Gantt charts help create project roadmaps, manage the software
development life cycle, and track progress. They are useful for breaking down complex software
projects into manageable tasks and visualizing the timeline of development activities.
 Event Planning: With Gantt charts, event planners get help in scheduling activities, assigning
responsibilities, and ensuring that all aspects of the event are prepared in time.
 Human Resources: HR departments use Gantt charts to organize tasks related to recruitment,
onboarding, training, and other HR initiatives.
 Marketing Teams: Gantt charts help in visualizing tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking the
progress of marketing initiatives.
 Manufacturing: In manufacturing, Gantt charts are used to plan production schedules, track the
manufacturing process, and ensure the timely delivery of products. They help map out the
product development cycle and manage the workflow.
 Construction Firms: Gantt charts in construction help visualize project timelines, track the
progress of tasks, and manage resources effectively.
The critical path method in project management

The critical path method (CPM) is a sophisticated project management technique for planning,
scheduling, and managing the tasks necessary to complete a project from start to finish. It is also
sometimes referred to as critical path analysis (CPA).
The critical path method does two main things:

1. It helps project managers find the most important tasks in a project that critically affect how long
a project will take.

2. It helps project managers make an efficient schedule so they can finish the entire project on time
and within budget.

Any team in any industry can use critical path methodology to manage complex projects. What’s more, a
good project management software platform will be able to take the CPM data of a project and turn it
into a visual representation, displaying the tasks, their dependencies, and the critical path to make it easy
to understand and manage the project at a glance.

What is the critical path method?

The critical path definition

The critical path method involves identifying all the tasks that are needed to complete a project,
determining the sequence in which these tasks must be carried out, and then calculating the most
prolonged duration of time it will take to complete the project from start to finish.

The most prolonged project duration is known as the critical path, and it provides a clear timeline for
project completion.

In the CPM, tasks are categorized as critical and non-critical. Critical tasks must be completed on time
to ensure the project is finished on schedule. Any delay in a critical task will result in a delay in the
project. Non-critical tasks, on the other hand, have some flexibility in their scheduling, so they’re less
likely to cause a delay in the project completion.

The CPM is especially valuable for projects with numerous interdependent activities, as it allows project
managers to see where potential bottlenecks may occur and where resources can be allocated most
effectively. By identifying the critical path, project managers can prioritize tasks, mitigate risks, and
better ensure a project progresses and is completed on time.

Benefits of using the critical path method in project management

The CPM offers many benefits that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of project management.
  CPM provides a clear visualization of the project timeline. It usually looks like a flowchart.
By illustrating the sequence and duration of each task, the CPM allows project managers to gain
a comprehensive understanding of the project’s flow, making it easier to plan and manage
resources effectively.

 CPM clearly identifies critical tasks. This not only helps in prioritizing tasks but also allows
for the proactive management of potential delays. By understanding which jobs have the
flexibility to be delayed without affecting the overall timeline, project managers can better
manage changes or issues that arise during the project life cycle.
 CPM aids in risk identification and mitigation. Highlighting the critical path allows project
managers to foresee potential bottlenecks or delays and proactively mitigate these risks. This can
lead to a significant reduction in project downtime and associated costs.
 CPM promotes better communication within the project team. With a clear visual
representation of the project’s timeline, team members can better understand their roles,
responsibilities, and the impact of their tasks on the overall project. This can lead to improved
collaboration, efficiency, and overall project success.
In summary, CPM is an indispensable tool in project management. It gives you enhanced planning, risk
mitigation, resource management, and team collaboration capabilities.
How to calculate the critical path of a project
Step 1: Identify all tasks required to complete the project
Start by listing all the functions or activities that need to be completed for the project’s successful
conclusion, also known as a work breakdown structure. When created thoroughly, the work breakdown
structure is a roadmap that guides a team when completing projects — whether simple or complex.
Here’s a powerful work breakdown structure example from Wrike.

Step 2: Determine the sequence of tasks

Next, identify the order in which the tasks need to be performed. Some tasks may depend on the
completion of others before they can begin, while others may be carried out concurrently. This step is
crucial in understanding the dependencies and relationships between tasks.

Step 3: Estimate the duration of each task

Assign a time estimate to each task. This should be the total time required to complete each task from
start to finish. Make sure to account for any potential delays or issues that may arise by incorporating
buffers or contingency time into your estimates.

Two techniques that can help project managers accurately determine each task’s duration are the forward
and backward pass techniques:

 Forward pass: Starting from the beginning of the project and moving forward through the critical
path diagram, calculate the earliest start time and finish time for each activity. This helps
determine the earliest possible project completion date for the entire project.

 Backward pass: Work your way backward from the project’s end date through the CPM chart,
calculating the latest start time and finish time for each activity. This helps identify the latest
possible project completion date for the project and determines the amount of scheduling
flexibility or slack time available for each activity.

Step 4: Draw a network diagram of the critical path

Using the information from the previous steps, draw a network diagram. This visual representation should
depict all the tasks, their sequence, and their dependencies. Each task is represented as a node on the
diagram, and the arrows between nodes represent the task dependencies.

Step 5: Identify the critical path

The critical path is the longest path from the start to the end of the project, passing through all the
essential tasks to the project’s completion. In other words, the longest sequence of tasks determines the
minimum time needed to complete the project. On your network diagram, this is your critical path, the
longest duration from the initial to the final task.

Step 6: Calculate the float

The total float or slack is how long you can delay a task without postponing the project’s completion.
Tasks on the critical path will have zero float, meaning they can’t be delayed without impacting the
project timeline. However, non-crucial tasks may have some float, allowing for some flexibility in
scheduling.
Within the overall float calculation is also free float, which is the amount of time an activity can be
delayed without delaying the start of its successor activity.

Step 7: Monitor the critical path

Once the project is underway, closely monitoring the tasks on the critical path is essential. Any delays in
these tasks will directly impact the project timeline. Regularly update and review the critical path to help
identify potential issues early and keep the project on track.

Consider using Wrike’s project scheduling template to augment this process further. This prestructured
template simplifies identifying your project’s critical path, saving time and enhancing your project
planning efficiency.

Pros and cons of using CPM

Some of the advantages of using the critical path method include the following:
 identifies the sequence of activities and work breakdown structure;
 defines the activity duration for all elements of the plan;
 specifies cross-functional relationships among project activities;
 identifies dependent tasks for each activity;
 cites risks to the project, such as failure to complete a specific activity on time;
 identifies ways to shorten time frames;
 compares the plan with performance to quickly identify issues;
 helps optimize project resources;
 identifies opportunities to change time frames, adjust team members and their duties, and modify
the overall plan to achieve the desired outcome.
Critical path method vs. PERT

CPM and the program evaluation and review technique (PERT) are valuable project management tools.
However, they each have distinct characteristics and are better suited to different types of projects.

CPM is a deterministic approach that assumes a fixed time frame for each task. This makes it ideal for
projects with well-known task durations and little variability, like construction or manufacturing
projects. The CPM focuses on the critical path, meaning the sequence of activities or tasks that
determines the project’s shortest possible duration. Identifying this path allows project managers to
prioritize tasks directly impacting the project’s critical path timeline.
PERT is similar to the CPM in that they are both used to visualize the timeline and the work that must be
done for a project. However, with PERT, you create three different time estimates for the project:

 The shortest possible amount of time each task will take

 The most probable amount of time

 The most extended amount of time tasks might take if things don’t go as planned

This makes PERT ideal for research and development projects or any other project with uncertain task
durations. While both methods help in project planning and scheduling, PERT’s ability to handle
uncertainty makes it more flexible in the face of potential changes or delays. The CPM’s focus on the
critical path can make managing and controlling tasks critical to the project’s timeline easier.

Difference between PERT & CPM

There is not much difference between PERT & CPM. In fact, both were developed simultaneously and
independently for the similar requirements. The only difference lies in the ‘event’ or ‘activity’ on which
network is constructed. The ‘activity’ stands for the time-consuming parts of the project. It represents a
job; on the other hand, an ‘event’, also called ‘node’ either beginning or an end of a job. The CPM
analysis is activity-oriented and PERT is event-oriented.
1. The CPM is a kind of technique commonly known for its use in constructions project; whereas PERT
mostly used in R & D projects like the projects considered being a kind of non-repetitive nature.
2. Both techniques have different concept of working like CPM uses deterministic concept for its work
whereas probabilistic concept is used by PERT.
3. Networking approach also varies in both techniques like CPM uses networking that based upon
activity oriented; on contrary PERT uses networking that based on event.
4. In PERT technique, an estimation of time for different activities is not perfect and accurate whereas in
CPM activities duration are estimated with the quality of accuracy.
5. Both of the techniques used for same purpose but the nature of their working is dif ferent and some
can do their work efficiently with CPM and some can do same with PERT.
6. The most important thing to solute is to minimize time so that they can get good result for their cost
factor. In PERT, time is said to be a controlling factor.
7. CPM has one-time estimate while PERT has three-time estimates.
8. Unpredicted activities are managed with the help of Program Evaluation and Review Technique
(PERT), whereas CPM is used for dealing those projects that have some alarmed activities. These two
techniques said to be a key element for the management of any project
Network Diagram Requirements
1. All project activities must be clearly defined, including identifiable start and completion points
2. A logic diagram showing the sequence and interrelationships of activities must be developed
3. The time to complete each activity must be estimated as accurately as possible
Network Diagram Key concepts

1. Activity

An activity means a work. A project consists of several activities. An activity takes time.
Any individual operation that utilizes resources and has an end and a beginning is
called activity. An arrow is commonly used to represent an activity with its head
indicating the direction of progress in the project. These are classified into four categoriesi

i. Predecessor activity: Activities that must be completed immediately prior to the

start of another activity is called predecessor activities.

ii. Successor activity: Activities that cannot be started until one or more of other
activities are completed but immediately succeed them are called successor
activities.

iii. Concurrent activity: Activities which can be accomplished concurrently are

known as concurrent activities. It may be noted that an activity can be a
predecessor or a successor to an event or it may be concurrent with one or more of
otheractivities.
iv. Dummy activity – An activity which does not consume any kind of resource but
merely depicts the technological dependence is called a dummy activity.

The dummy activity is inserted in the network to clarify the activity pattern in the following two
situations
 To make activities with common starting and finishing points distinguishable
 To identify and maintain the proper precedence relationship between activities that is not connected by
events.
For example, consider a situation where A and B are concurrent activities. C is dependent on A and D is
dependent on A and B both. Such a situation can be handled by using a dummy activity as shown in the
figure.

2. Event
An event represents a point in time signifying the completion of some activities and the beginning of
new ones. This is usually represented by a circle in a network which is also called a node or connector.
The events are classified in to three categories
1. Merge event – When more than one activity comes and joins an event such an
event is known as merge event.

2. Burst event – When more than one activity leaves an event such an event is known as burst event.
3. Merge and Burst event – An activity may be merge and burst event at the same time as with respect
to some activities it can be a merge event and with respect to some other activities it may be a burst
event.

3. Sequencing
The first prerequisite in the development of network is to maintain the precedence relationships. In order
to make a network, the following points should be taken into considerations
 What job or jobs precede it?
 What job or jobs could run concurrently?
 What job or jobs follow it?
 What controls the start and finish of a job?
Since all further calculations are based on the network, it is necessary that a network be
drawn with full care.

Example 1

The following details are available regarding a project

Determine the critical path, the critical activities and the project completion time

Solution

First let us construct the network diagram for the given project. We mark the time estimates along the
arrows representing the activities. We obtain the following diagram
Consider the paths, beginning with the start node and stopping with the end node. There are two such
paths for the given project. They are as follows:

with a time of 3 + 5 + 10 + 4 = 22 weeks.

Path II

with a time of 3 + 7 + 5 + 4 = 19 weeks

Compare the times for the two paths. Maximum of {22,19} = 22. We see that path I has the maximum
time of 22 weeks. Therefore, path I is the critical path. The critical activities are A, B, D and F. The
project completion time is 22 weeks. We notice that C and E are non- critical activities. Time for path I -
Time for path II = 22- 19 = 3 weeks

Therefore, together the non- critical activities can be delayed upto a maximum of 3 weeks, without
delaying the completion of the whole project