Network Diagrams are often used during project planning to give the project manager a visual map of the key activities of the project. Activity-On-Arrow (AOA) is often used to demonstrate the concept of activity sequencing. Consider Figure 4-30 (page 172 in your textbook) to answer the following questions. All duration estimates are in days, and the network proceeds from Node 1 to Node 9.
Draw an AOA network diagram representing the project. Put the node numbers in circles and draw arrows from node to node, labeling each arrow with the activity letter and estimated time. See example 143, Fig. 4-16.
Identify all the paths on the network diagram and note how long they are, using Figure 4-21 (page 152) as a guide for how to represent each path.
What is the critical path for this project and how long is it?
What is the shortest possible time it will take to complete this project?
Examine the network diagram and task schedule table to analyze the critical path and float or slack for each activity. Write at least a paragraph that interprets this information for someone unfamiliar with project time management.