Supply chain management chapter 14

Network diagram

A graphical tool that shows the logical linkages between activities in a project.

Gantt chart

A graphical tool used to show expected start and end times for project activities and to track actual progress against these time targets.

Network path

A logically linked sequence of activities in a network diagram.

Activity on the node

A network diagram in which each activity is represented by a node, or box, in the precedence relationships between various activities and are upset with arrows.

Critical path

A network path that has the longest, was tied for the longest, linked sequence of activities.

Program evaluation and review technique

A network-based technique in which there are multiple time estimates for each activity.

Critical Path method

A network-based technique in which there is a single time estimate for each activity.

Project

A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

Critical activity

Project activity for which the early start time and later start time are equal. A critical activity cannot be delayed without lengthening the overall project duration.

Crashing

Shortening the overall duration of the project by reducing the time it takes to perform certain activities

Project management

The application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.

Forward pass

The determination of the early start and finish times for each project activity.

Backward pass

The determination of the latest finished and start times for each product activity.

Slack time

The difference between an activities later start time and it's early start time. Slack time indicates the amount of allowable delay. Critical activities have a slack time of zero.

Earliest finish time

The earliest and activity can be finished, calculated by adding the activities duration to its early start time.

Early start time

The earliest connectivity can be started, as determined by the earliest finish time for all immediate predecessors.

Post completion phase

The fifth of five phases of a project. This is the phase in which the project manager or team confirms the final outcome, conducts a post-implementation meeting to critique the project and personnel, and reassigns project personnel.

Concept phase

The first five phases of a project. Here project planners develop a broad definition of what the project is and what its scope will be.

Performance phase

The fourth of five phases of a project. In this phase, the organization actually starts to execute the project plan.

Latest finish time

The latest in activity can be finished and still finished the project on time, as determined by the latest start time for all immediate successors

Latest start time

The latest in activity can be started and still finish the project on time, calculated by subtracting the activities duration from its latest finish time.

Milestone

The performance time target for each major group of activities in a project.

Project definition phase

The second of five phases in a project. Here, project planners identify how to accomplish the work, how to organize for the project, the key personnel and resources required to support the project, tentative schedules, and tentative budget requirements.

Planning phase

The third of five phases of a project. Here, project planners prepare detailed plans that identify activities, time and budget targets, and the resources needed to complete each task.