Operations and Technology Management Case Study: Critical Path Method

Facts:

The information in the table pertains to a project that is about to commence. As a project manager, which activities would you be concerned with in terms of timely project completion? Explain.

Activity	Precedes	Estimated Time (Days)
a	b	15
b	c,d	12
c	e	6
d	end	5
e	end	3
f	g,h	8
g	I	8
h	J	9
i	End	7
j	K	14
k	End	6

 

A project manager has compiled a list of major activities that will be required to install a computer information system in her firm. The list included estimated completion times for activities and precedence relationship.

Activity	Precedes	Optimistic	Most Likely	Pessimistic	Expected Time
A	d,f	2	4	6	4
D	e	6	8	10	8
E	h	7	9	12	9
H	end	2	3	5	3
F	g	3	4	8	5
G	end	5	7	9	7
B	i	2	2	3	2
I	j	2	3	6	3
J	k	3	4	5	4
K	end	4	5	8	5
C	m	5	8	12	8
M	n	1	1	1	1
N	o	6	7	11	8
O	end	8	9	13	10

 

Problems:

1. Draw a precedence diagram.
2. Find the critical path.
3. Determine the length of the project.

 

Solutions:

A.

1. Draw a precedence diagram:

2. Find the critical path -  Critical Path: fhjk

3. Determine the length of the project - Projected Length of the Project: 37 days

 

B.

1. Draw a precedence diagram:

2. Find the critical path - Critical Path: cmno

3. Determine the length of the project - Length of the Project: 27 days