Schedule Network Analysis
Project schedule network diagram is schematic displays of
the project’s schedule activities with their dependencies. Schedule network
analysis generates the project schedule by using techniques like:
-critical path method
-critical chain method
-resource leveling
-What-if Scenario Analysis
This process calculates the early start, early finish, the
start and late finish dates in the project schedule. This analysis also
provides scheduled start and finish dates for the uncompleted project schedule
activities.
Critical Path Method
The critical path method is a schedule network analysis
technique which calculates the theoretical early start and finishes dates, and
late start and finish dates, for all schedule activities without considering
any resource limitations or constraints. The process of identifying critical
path includes:
-forward pass analysis to calculate early start and early
finish dates.
-backward pass analysis to calculate late start and late
finish dates.
-analysis of float duration to identify critical path.
Schedule Compression
Schedule compression is a technique to shorten to meet
schedule to meet schedule constraints,
Imposed dates or other schedule objectives without
compromising on the project scope.
Schedule compression technique are crashing and fast
tracking
Crashing:
Schedule crashing is performed by adding more resources in
order to complete the activity earlier. It may not always produce a viable
alternative and can result in increased cost.
Fast Tracking:
Fast tracking is performed by parallel execution of phases
or activities that are normally done in sequence.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is schedule network analysis technique to
address the situation where shared or critical resources are available at
certain times or in limited quantities.
Critical Chain Method
Critical chain is schedule network analysis technique that
considers limited availability of resources while determining the project
schedule. Critical chain combines deterministic and probabilistic approaches.
Project Management Software
It is used to help in schedule development process. This
software automates the calculation of forward pass &backward pass, early
dates and last dates etc.
What-if Scenario Analysis
What-f analysis is performed by analyzing of the question
“What if the scenario ‘A’ happens?” A
Schedule network analysis provides different scenarios, such
a delaying a major component delivery, extending specific activity durations,
such as delaying a major component deliver, extending specific activity
durations, or introducing externals factor into the process.
Applying Calendars
Project calendars and resource calendars provide information
of periods when work is allowed. Project calendars affect all activities of the
project and resource calendars affect a specific resource or category of
resources.
Adjusting Leads and Lags
The Leads and Lags are adjusted during schedule network
analysis to develop a viable project schedule.