Assignment 51 Case Study 101: Project Scheduling At Blanque

Assignment 51 Case Study 101 Project Scheduling At Blanque Cheque Co

Develop a project network consisting of at least 20 steps that should be done to complete the project. As the case suggests, keep the level of detail for these activities general, rather than specific. Be sure to indicate some degree of precedence relationship among the activities. Suppose you now wanted to calculate duration estimates for these activities. How would you make use of the following approaches? Are some more useful than others? Expert opinion, past history, mathematical derivation. Write 3–5 pages in length (excluding cover page, abstract, and reference list) in APA format, using the APA template located in the Student Resource Center. Use the Case Study Guide as a reference point for writing your case study.

Paper For Above instruction

The project scheduling process at Blanque Cheque Co. offers a comprehensive case study to explore the development of a project network and the methodologies for estimating activity durations. This analysis underscores the importance of systematic planning, credible estimation approaches, and the significance of choosing appropriate methods suited to project complexity and available information.

Introduction

Effective project scheduling is quintessential for ensuring timely and resource-efficient project completion. The creation of a project network involves identifying all activities or steps involved, establishing logical precedence relationships, and representing these in a visual or tabular format such as a network diagram. For Blanque Cheque Co., developing a network with at least twenty activities requires a strategic overview of the entire project scope, general activity descriptions, and their dependencies. Additionally, estimating activity durations accurately is vital, and different methods exist, each with varying applicability depending on project circumstances.

Developing the Project Network

The first critical step involves defining the sequence of activities with an emphasis on generalization rather than specific task details. Typical phases for construction projects at Blanque Cheque Co. might include site assessment, design planning, obtaining permits, site clearing, foundation work, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, interior finishing, external works, inspections, and commissioning. These can be broken down into at least 20 activities, such as:

• Site assessment and survey
• Design and planning approval
• Secure building permits
• Site clearing and preparation
• Foundation excavation
• Foundation concrete pouring
• Structural framing
• Roof installation
• Electrical wiring rough-in
• Plumbing rough-in
• Interior wall installation
• Exterior wall finishing
• Interior painting and finishes
• HVAC installation
• Windows and doors installation
• Final electrical and plumbing fixtures
• Landscaping
• Final inspections
• Project commissioning

The dependencies among these activities mirror real-world construction processes, typically with foundational work preceding framing, electrical and plumbing work following framing, and finishing tasks subsequent to interior installation. Creating a logical network verifies that each activity's precedence and timing are well-organized to facilitate efficient project management.

Estimating Activity Durations

Once a robust network is established, estimating the durations for each activity is crucial. Several approaches can be deployed:

Expert Opinion

This approach involves consulting experienced professionals such as project managers, architects, engineers, or seasoned contractors. Their insights provide practical duration estimates based on past projects and real-world experience. Expert opinion is especially valuable when activity durations are uncertain or variable, such as innovative construction techniques or unique site conditions. This method benefits from the tacit knowledge of practitioners who understand potential delays, resource constraints, and workflow nuances.

Past History

Leveraging historical data involves analyzing previous similar projects at Blanque Cheque Co. or comparable construction endeavors. This approach offers a data-driven basis for estimates, incorporating actual durations that have been recorded and validated over time. It is particularly useful when projects are repetitive or standardized, enabling statistical or comparative analysis to inform the current project timeline.

Mathematical Derivation

Mathematical techniques involve quantitative modeling, such as using PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) which considers optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely duration estimates to calculate expected durations. This method introduces probabilistic analysis and can help quantify uncertainty, providing a range of possible completion times rather than a single point estimate. Such methods are useful in complex projects with high variability or limited historical data.

Comparison of Approaches

Each estimation approach possesses advantages and limitations. Expert opinion offers quick insights but may be subjective. Past history provides tangible data but assumes current conditions mirror previous ones. Mathematical derivations, as in PERT, introduce rigor and probabilistic considerations but require more detailed input data and analytical rigor. The choice among these methods depends on project complexity, data availability, and required accuracy. In many instances, a combination—such as using historical data with expert judgment—yields the most reliable estimates.

Conclusion

Developing an effective project network and accurately estimating activity durations are foundational to successful project management at Blanque Cheque Co. The integration of a logical activity sequence with suitable estimation techniques helps in identifying critical path activities, managing risks, and ensuring timely project completion. Employing multiple estimation methods, as appropriate, can enhance the robustness of project schedules, facilitating better decision-making and resource allocation.

References

• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.