Project scheduling differ from the scheduling of ongoing operations

How, precisely, does project scheduling differ from the scheduling of ongoing operations?
How would you, after the fact, audit a project to deter- mine whether it was successful?
Give three examples of projects not given in the text. Are these projects unique, or are they repeated in some way?
Contrast and compare CPM and PERT as project- scheduling techniques.
Define the terms critical path, ES, and LF.
What is the management significance of finding the critical path through a network?

How, precisely, does project scheduling differ from the scheduling of ongoing operations? Project scheduling differs from the scheduling of ongoing operations in several ways. First, projects are typically one-time events, while ongoing operations are repeated on a regular basis. Second, projects have a clear start and end date, while ongoing operations may continue indefinitely. Third, projects are often more complex than ongoing operations, and they may involve multiple teams or departments. How would you, after the fact, audit a project to determine whether it was successful? There are a number of factors that can be considered when auditing a project to determine whether it was successful. These factors include:
  • The project's objectives: Were the project's objectives met?
  • The project's schedule: Was the project completed on time?
  • The project's budget: Was the project completed within budget?
  • The project's quality: Was the project completed to the required quality standards?
  • The project's impact: Did the project have the desired impact?
Give three examples of projects not given in the text. Are these projects unique, or are they repeated in some way?
  • The construction of a new building
  • The development of a new product
  • The launch of a new marketing campaign
These projects are all unique in the sense that they are one-time events. However, they may also have some elements that are repeated in other projects. For example, the construction of a new building may involve some of the same steps as the construction of an existing building. Contrast and compare CPM and PERT as project-scheduling techniques. CPM (critical path method) and PERT (program evaluation and review technique) are both project-scheduling techniques that are used to estimate the time and cost of a project. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques. CPM is a deterministic technique, which means that it assumes that all activities will take the same amount of time. PERT is a probabilistic technique, which means that it takes into account the uncertainty of activity times. CPM is also a simpler technique than PERT. It is easier to understand and use, and it does not require as much data. PERT is a more complex technique, but it can be more accurate in estimating the time and cost of a project. Define the terms critical path, ES, and LF.
  • Critical path: The critical path is the sequence of activities in a project that determines the project's completion time.
  • ES (earliest start): The ES is the earliest time that an activity can start.
  • LF (latest finish): The LF is the latest time that an activity can finish without delaying the project.
What is the management significance of finding the critical path through a network? The critical path is important because it identifies the activities that must be completed on time in order to complete the project on time. By focusing on the critical path, managers can ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Sample Solution

Project scheduling differs from the scheduling of ongoing operations in several ways. First, projects are typically one-time events, while ongoing operations are repeated on a regular basis.