network diagrams
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction to Network Diagrams
• A network diagram is a flow chart of all tasks which make up a project• The chart demonstrates how each task relates to another• Provides a logical flow of events• Commonly used• Network Diagrams are made up of a collection of task
dependencies known as Network Logic i.e. some tasks are dependent on others
Creating Network Diagrams1. Determine the activities which need to be completed2. Put these activities into sequence3. Calculate how long each activity should take4. Establish dependencies i.e. tasks which depend on the
completion of a previous task 5. Establish which tasks are to be completed first, any tasks
with no predecessors can start as soon as the project begins
Drawing the Network Diagram1. Begin drawing the diagram by drawing the relationship between
the project start and the first activity with no predecessor
2. Then find all activities which have activity 1 as a predecessor3. Draw boxes to represent these activities, and draw arrows from
activity 1 to these activities
StartT = 0
AcActivity 1T = x
Drawing the Network Diagram
4. Repeat these steps for the remaining activities5. After adding all the activities to the diagram, draw a box to represent End, and draw an arrow from the last activity you have to complete to that box
Network Diagrams
• Establish which tasks must be completely individually and which can be completed simultaneously• Completing tasks simultaneously can shorten the length of
the project
Benefits of Network Diagrams
• Easy to read and understand• Clearly highlights the sequence of tasks in the project• Conveys parallel activities• Demonstrates the links between each task • Highlights which activities are critical • Shows where float can exist
Disadvantages of Network Diagrams
• The can become very complex for large projects with many activities• They can be time consuming to produce• Can be costly to produce• Tasks may be missed out, affecting the whole diagram
Video Example
• This video shows how to draw a network diagram from a Work Breakdown Structure• In addition it shows how to calculate project task durations and
provides another example of the Critical Path Method• http://
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=URdxhl_8qIE
Further Reading
• Schwalbe, K. (2008). Introduction to project management. Cengage Learning, 2nd ed. – Chapter 4
References
• Holland and Holland Eterprises LTD, 2013. The Network Diagram - bringing order to project work flows. [Online] Available at: http://www.successful-project-management.com/network-diagram.html [Accessed 07/11/13] • Rick A. Morris, 2013. The Network Diagram- Project Management.
[Online] Available at: http://www.netplaces.com/project-management/creating-the-schedule/the-network-diagram.htm [Accessed 07/11/13]