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Watch the following videos to help answer the question: Consider the following project activities: Activity Duration (Days) Predecessors A 3 None B 2 None C 6 A D 1.5 A,B E 2.5 C,D F 3.5 D G 4 E,F Draw the project network diagram, identify all the paths through the network and their strengths, and identify all the critical activities and path(s). How long will the entire project take? Prepare a PowerPoint presentation or applicable media on the topic of your choice. Use the following criteria, as outlined in your textbook: Closing and agenda slides Back-up slides Connector slides Use color Font selection Use animation Message titles Designing slides which represent “how†(relationships) or “how much†(data) Develop a handout to go with your presentation.

Paper For Above instruction

The project described involves multiple activities with specific durations and dependencies, aiming to create a comprehensive project schedule analysis and an accompanying presentation and handout. This essay elucidates the process of constructing a project network diagram, identifying all paths and their respective strengths, determining critical activities and paths, and computing the total project duration. Subsequently, it discusses designing an effective PowerPoint presentation aligned with best practices and creating a supportive handout.

Constructing the Project Network Diagram

The initial step involves translating the project activities into a visual network diagram that illustrates the sequence and dependencies among tasks. The activities are:

- Activity A: Duration 3 days, no predecessors.

- Activity B: Duration 2 days, no predecessors.

- Activity C: Duration 6 days, preceded by A.

- Activity D: Duration 1.5 days, preceded by A and B.

- Activity E: Duration 2.5 days, preceded by C and D.

- Activity F: Duration 3.5 days, preceded by D.

- Activity G: Duration 4 days, preceded by E and F.

The network diagram begins with activities A and B, which are independent. Activity A leads to activities C and D, while B directly influences D. Activity D then branches to activities E and F, culminating in G, which depends on E and F. Visualizing these dependencies results in a directed graph where nodes represent activities, and arrows signify precedence.

Identifying All Paths and Their Strengths

Paths within the network indicate potential sequences from project start to completion. The paths identified include:

1. A → C → E → G

- Durations: 3 + 6 + 2.5 + 4 = 15.5 days.

2. A → D → E → G

- Durations: 3 + 1.5 + 2.5 + 4 = 11 days.

3. A → D → F → G

- Durations: 3 + 1.5 + 3.5 + 4 = 12.5 days.

4. B → D → E → G

- Durations: 2 + 1.5 + 2.5 + 4 = 10.5 days.

The path with the longest duration is the critical path, determining the minimum project completion time. Here, the critical path is A → C → E → G, with a total duration of 15.5 days.

Critical Activities and Paths

Critical activities are those that lie on the critical path—any delay in these activities can delay the entire project. The critical path identified is:

- A (3 days)

- C (6 days)

- E (2.5 days)

- G (4 days)

All these activities are crucial for the timely completion of the project. Activities D and F are not on the critical path; delays here may not necessarily affect the overall project duration unless their delays exceed float times.

Calculating Total Project Duration

Based on the critical path, the total project duration is 15.5 days. This duration represents the minimum timeframe within which the project can be completed if all critical activities proceed without delays.

Designing the Presentation

Developing a compelling PowerPoint presentation involves adhering to best practices:

- Closing and Agenda Slides: Opening with a title slide and agenda outline.

- Backup Slides: Including supplementary details or data, ready to address possible questions.

- Connector Slides: Transition slides to smoothly shift topics or sections.

- Use of Color and Font: Employing a professional color scheme and font that enhance readability.

- Animation: Applying dynamic animations effectively to emphasize key points without overwhelming.

- Message Titles: Clear, concise titles that encapsulate slide content.

- Designing “how” or “how much” Slides: Visual representations of relationships (e.g., diagrams) and data (charts, graphs) to clarify how activities connect or the magnitude of durations.

Creating a Supporting Handout

The handout should complement the presentation by summarizing key points, including the project activities, network diagram, critical path, durations, and insights. It might also incorporate visual aids, such as Gantt charts or network diagrams, providing attendees with quick references and tangible takeaways.

Conclusion

Constructing a project network diagram, identifying paths, critical activities, and duration provides project managers with essential tools for effective planning and control. A well-designed presentation, aligned with established principles, enhances stakeholder understanding, while a comprehensive handout ensures key information is accessible post-presentation. Mastery of these components facilitates successful project management, ensuring timely delivery and efficient resource utilization.

References

1. Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
2. Larson, E., & Gray, C. (2018). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.
3. PMI. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Project Management Institute.
4. Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
5. Harold Kerzner, (2019). Advanced Project Management: Best Practices, Tools and Techniques. Wiley.
6. Wideman, R. M. (2018). Project Management Handbook. Project Management Institute.
7. Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2017). Project Management: A Managerial Approach. Wiley.
8. Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of Project Management. AMACOM.
9. Zwikael, O., & Globerson, S. (2016). Managing Complex Projects. Springer.
10. Lock, D. (2020). Project Management. Gower Publishing.