Shubhan Kadam

UID no. 2020300026

Experiment No. 6

AIM:
Analysis of project tasks using AOA and AON

Creating AON and AOA based on the list of tasks involved in making the project
PROBLEM
STATEMENT :
Theory Activity on Nodes (AON) and Activity on Arrows (AOA) are two popular methods used in project
management and network analysis for representing and analyzing project activities. Both methods are
used to create network diagrams to model the sequence of activities in a project. Here's an overview of
both methods, their uses, advantages, and differences:

Activity on Nodes (AON):

AON, also known as Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), represents activities as nodes (circles or
rectangles) and the relationships between them as arrows. The nodes represent the start and end of
activities, while the arrows indicate the flow and dependencies between activities. AON is widely used in
network diagrams for project scheduling and critical path analysis.

Uses of AON:
▪ Project Scheduling: AON diagrams are used to create project schedules, helping project managers
allocate resources and set timelines.
▪ Critical Path Analysis: AON diagrams help identify the critical path in a project, which is the longest
sequence of dependent activities that determine the project's duration.
▪ Resource Allocation: AON diagrams can be used to allocate resources effectively by identifying the
sequence of activities and their dependencies.

Advantages of AON:
▪ Clarity: AON diagrams are easy to read and understand, as they clearly depict the flow of activities
and dependencies.
▪ Visual Representation: The graphical representation makes it easier to communicate project
schedules to stakeholders.
▪ Critical Path Identification: AON diagrams are excellent for identifying the critical path, which is
crucial for managing project timelines.
▪ Resource Management: AON diagrams aid in resource allocation by visualizing the sequence of
activities.

Activity on Arrows (AOA):

AOA, also known as Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM), represents activities as arrows and events
(milestones) as nodes. In AOA, the arrows represent activities and the nodes represent events or points
in time. Activities are defined by the arrows between nodes, and they often have durations associated
with
them.

Uses of AOA:

▪ Project Scheduling: AOA diagrams are used for creating project schedules and representing the
sequence of activities.
▪ Resource Allocation: AOA diagrams help in allocating resources by showing the relationships
between activities and events.

Advantages of AOA:

▪ Clarity in Activity Flow: AOA diagrams can provide a clear visual representation of the flow of
activities, especially when events are explicitly represented.
▪ Sensitivity Analysis: AOA can be useful for performing sensitivity analysis and evaluating the impact
of changes in activity durations on the project timeline.
▪ Logical Dependencies: AOA allows for the clear representation of logical dependencies between
events and activities.

Differences between AON and AOA:

▪ Node vs. Arrow: AON uses nodes to represent activities and arrows to depict their dependencies,
while AOA uses arrows for activities and nodes for events/milestones.
▪ Clarity: AON diagrams are often considered more straightforward and visually intuitive because
they directly represent activities as nodes, making it easier to understand.
▪ Sensitivity Analysis: AOA is typically better suited for sensitivity analysis and "what-if" scenarios
due to its event-based representation.
Implementation
CONCLUSION: This experiment has provided me with a deep insight into the intricacies of Activity on Arrow
(AOA) and Activity on Node (AON) diagrams. I have not only grasped the fundamental concepts
of these diagramming methods but have also discerned the nuanced differences between them.
More importantly, I have come to recognize the immense practical value they offer when applied
to real-life tasks.

The understanding of these diagrams extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge. I now
appreciate how they serve as indispensable tools in the realm of project management and
scheduling. By leveraging AOA and AON diagrams, I can effectively plan, organize, and execute
complex projects. Moreover, I have gained a heightened awareness of their importance in
identifying critical paths, managing resources efficiently, and ensuring that project timelines are
adhered to meticulously.