10.3b Network Analysis (CPA) Flashcards
Critical path analysis definition
Project analysis and planning method that allows a project to be completed in the shortest possible time
Information needed for CPA:
- List of activities required to complete the project
- Duration that each activity will take to completion
- Dependencies between the activities
What does CPA calculate?
- The shortest path of planned activities to the end of the project
- Earliest and last time that each activity can start and finish without making project longer
- Which activities are ‘critical’ and which have ‘total float’
What does it mean if an activity is ‘critical’?
It is on the shortest path
What does it mean if an activity has ‘total float’?
It can be delayed without making the project longer
What is a node in CPA?
A circle that represents a point in time where an activity is started or finished
What is shown in the left half of the node?
The unique node number
What is shown in the top right section of the node?
The EST that this activity can commence based on completion of the previous activity
What is shown in the bottom right section of the node?
The LFT by which the previous activity must be completed
What is an activity shown as on the network?
A line/arrow
What is shown above the relevant line in the network?
A letter representing the activity
What is shown below the relevant line in the network?
The length of time it takes to complete an activity
When two activities meet, the next activity EST will be the lowest or highest figure?
Highest
When two activities meet, the previous activities LFT will be the lowest or highest figure?
Lowest
