Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Project management is a critical aspect of efficient resource allocation and timely completion of objectives. A key tool in project management is the network diagram, also known as a project network, which visually represents the sequence of activities and their interdependencies. This diagram helps in identifying the critical path – the longest sequence of activities that determines the shortest possible project duration. Without a network diagram, managing complex projects becomes significantly more challenging, leading to potential delays and cost overruns. For the purpose of this answer, we will assume a hypothetical project: "Launching a New Mobile Application".
Hypothetical Project: Launching a New Mobile Application
The following activities are identified for launching a new mobile application:
- A: Market Research
- B: App Design
- C: App Development
- D: Testing
- E: Marketing Campaign Development
- F: App Store Submission
- G: Launch
Activity Dependencies
The following dependencies are assumed:
- B depends on A (App Design cannot start before Market Research)
- C depends on B (App Development cannot start before App Design)
- D depends on C (Testing cannot start before App Development)
- E can start after A (Marketing can begin after Market Research)
- F depends on D and E (App Store Submission requires both Testing and Marketing)
- G depends on F (Launch requires App Store Submission)
Network Diagram (Activity on Node - AON)
The network diagram is represented below. Each node represents an activity, and arrows indicate dependencies.
| Activity | Predecessors |
|---|---|
| A (Market Research) | - |
| B (App Design) | A |
| C (App Development) | B |
| D (Testing) | C |
| E (Marketing Campaign Development) | A |
| F (App Store Submission) | D, E |
| G (Launch) | F |
Visual Representation (ASCII Art - as a true diagram is not possible in text format):
A ----> B ----> C ----> D ----> F ----> G
| | | | |
| -----> E ----> F ---->
Explanation of the Diagram
- Activity A (Market Research) is the starting point.
- Activities B (App Design) and E (Marketing Campaign Development) are dependent on A. This allows for parallel execution of these two activities.
- Activity C (App Development) is dependent on B.
- Activity D (Testing) is dependent on C.
- Activity F (App Store Submission) is dependent on both D and E, meaning it cannot start until both testing and marketing are complete.
- Activity G (Launch) is the final activity and depends on F.
Critical Path Analysis (Preliminary)
Without activity durations, a precise critical path cannot be determined. However, based on the dependencies, a potential critical path could be A -> B -> C -> D -> F -> G. The actual critical path would be determined by the activities with the longest cumulative duration. Identifying the critical path is crucial for project control, as delays in activities on the critical path directly impact the overall project completion time.
Benefits of Network Diagramming
- Improved Planning: Visualizes the project scope and sequence of activities.
- Better Communication: Facilitates clear communication among stakeholders.
- Risk Identification: Helps identify potential bottlenecks and dependencies.
- Resource Allocation: Supports efficient resource allocation.
- Schedule Control: Enables effective schedule monitoring and control.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the network diagram is a fundamental tool for effective project management. By visually representing activities and their dependencies, it enables better planning, communication, and control. While this example uses a simplified mobile app launch project, the principles of network diagramming are applicable to projects of any scale and complexity. Regularly updating and analyzing the network diagram throughout the project lifecycle is essential for ensuring successful project delivery.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.