the Further Mathematics network

Lesson Notes Decision 1 Lesson 6 Critical Path Analysis (Resource allocation)

Exam Questions and Resource Levelling The following question illustrates resource levelling (and it is an exam question). Question The activity network shows the duration (in days) of the nine activities of a project and their precedence.

2
A(2) (0)

D(5)

5
G(1) (0)

B(3)

3
(0)

E(4)

6
(0)

H(1)

C(5)

I(1)

F(1)

i) ii)

iii)

Produce a table showing, for each activity, its immediate predecessors. Perform a forward and backward pass on the activity network to find the early event times and the late event times. List the critical activities and give the time for completion of the project. Using a copy of the grid below, produce a cascade chart given that all the activities are scheduled to start as early as possible. The activities have been placed in an appropriate order. A B E C F I D G H 2 4 6 8 10 12

the Further Mathematics network The activities require resources (people) as indicated in the table. Activity A B C D E F G H No. of people 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 1 iv)

I 1

Produce a resource histogram using a copy of the grid provided to show resource requirements through time, given that all activities are scheduled to start as early as possible 8 6 4 2

2 v)

10

12

If only six people are available find the shortest possible time in which the project can be completed. State which activities need to be delayed in order to achieve this.

Solution i) Activity A B C D E F G H I Immediately preceding activities A, B B B, C D D, E, F F

the Further Mathematics network ii)

3 3 8 8

2
A(2) (0)

D(5)

5
G(1) (0)

1
0 0

B(3)

3
3

E(4)
3 8 8

6
(0)

H(1)
9

8
9

(0) C(5)

I(1)

4
5 7

F(1)
6

7
8

Critical activities: B, D, G, H. Project duration: 9 days. iii) A B E C F I D G H 2 4 6 8 10 12 Time iv) 8 6 4 2

v)

6 8 10 12 2 4 E can be delayed by 2 days, which will delay H by a day. The project would then take 10 days to complete.