Question 4 (Marks: 10)
With regards to developing the project schedule answer the following questions:
Q.4.1 Discuss the difference between the earliest start (ES) and earliest finish times (EF)
in an activity and note down the calculation needed to identify the earliest finish
(EF) time.
(5)
Q.4.2 Explain how positive and negative total slack affect the completion of the project. (5)
Q.4.1 The earliest start (ES) of an activity is the earliest point in time at which the activity can start, taking into account the dependencies and pre-requisites of the activity. The earliest finish (EF) time, on the other hand, is the earliest point in time at which the activity can be completed.
To calculate the earliest finish (EF) time, we need to consider the following formula:
EF = ES + Duration
In this formula, the duration refers to the estimated time it will take to complete the activity. The ES is determined by looking at the dependency relationships between activities and identifying the earliest point at which an activity can start based on these dependencies.
Q.4.2 Positive total slack refers to the amount of time an activity can be delayed without impacting the overall project completion time. This means that if an activity has positive slack, there is flexibility in its schedule and it can be delayed without causing any delay to the project. On the other hand, negative total slack indicates that an activity is critical and any delay in its completion will directly impact the project's completion time.
Positive total slack allows for better resource allocation and flexibility in managing the project schedule. It provides an opportunity to allocate resources more efficiently and prioritize activities without compromising the project's completion date.
Negative total slack, on the other hand, indicates that the project schedule is tight and any delay in a critical activity can potentially delay the overall project completion. It requires a more careful management approach, close monitoring of critical activities, and proactive actions to mitigate any potential delays.
In summary, positive total slack provides flexibility, while negative total slack requires careful management to ensure the project stays on track.