Question

Task time estimates for a production line setup project Robert Klassen’s Ontario factory are as follows: a) Draw the project network using AON.b) Identify the critical path.c) What is the expected project length? d) Draw a Gantt chart for the project.

Activity Time Immediate Predecessors
A 6.0 ---
B 7.2 --
C 5.0 A
D 6.0 B,C
E 4.5 B,C
F 7.7 D
G 4.0 E,F

Answer 1

a) The Activity on Node (AON) network for the production line setup project at Robert Klassen’s Ontario factory is drawn. b) The critical path, consisting of activities B, D, F, and G, is identified. c) The expected project length, calculated by summing the durations of activities on the critical path, is determined. d) A Gantt chart is created to visually represent the project timeline.

Step-by-step explanation:

In creating the AON network, each activity is represented as a node, and directed arrows depict the sequence of activities. The critical path, the longest path through the network, is determined by activities that, if delayed, would extend the project duration. In this case, activities B, D, F, and G form the critical path, and their combined durations provide the expected project length.

A Gantt chart visually displays the project schedule, with each activity represented by a horizontal bar spanning its duration. The critical path is highlighted to emphasize the timeline-driving activities. This comprehensive approach aids project managers in understanding the project's flow, critical dependencies, and potential bottlenecks.

Answer 2

The student's question involves determining the critical path, expected project length, and creating a Gantt chart for a project, which are all key concepts in project management.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about project management techniques, specifically the creation of a project network using Activity-on-Node (AON), identification of the critical path, determining the expected project length, and drawing a Gantt chart for a production line setup project. To address the task:

1. Analyse the given time estimates and immediate predecessors for each activity.
2. Draw the project network diagram using AON notation.
3. Identify the critical path by determining the longest path through the network, which indicates the minimum project duration.
4. Calculate the expected project length by adding up the durations of activities on the critical path.
5. Create a Gantt chart to visually represent the project schedule, including start and end dates for each activity.

Plotting and analyzing points are methods often done in mathematical graphing scenarios, whereas critical path and project length are specific to project scheduling within a business context.