Question

Chp 6

2. How are WBS and project networks linked

3. Why bother creating a WBS? Why not go straight to a project network and forget the WBS?

5. What is the difference between free slack and total slack?

6. Why are lags used in developing project networks?

Answer 1

Question 1

The Work Breakdown Structure is the process of subdividing both the  project deliverables and project work into the smaller and more easily manageable components.

The networkutilizes the time estimates found in the work packages of the WBSin order to develop the network.

Question 2

It’s important to create a work break down structure. The benefits of WBS includes:

• it defines and organizes the work required
• it facilitates the quick development of a schedule by allocating effort estimates to specific sections of the WBS
• it can be employed to identify potential scope risks if it has a branch that is not well defined
• it helps in providing a visual of entire scope
• it can be used to identify communication points
• it provides a visual of impacts when deliverables are falling behind
• it can be used to show and assign accountabilities and responsibilities
• it can show control points and milestones
• it provides a way to estimate the  project costs
• it ensures no important deliverables are forgotten
• it can assist with resource allocation
• it provides a proven and repeatable approach to planning projects
• it acts as  a tool for team brainstorming and collaboration
• it provides an opportunity to engage the team and make them feel invested in the planning.

Question 3

Free slack: The free slack of an activity may be  the time this activity can be delayed without  any impact on the following activity.

Total slack: The total slack of an activity is the time this activity can be delayed without impact on the finishing date of the project.

Question 4

A lagmay be defined as the minimum amount of time a dependent activity must be delayed to begin or end.”

Lagsare usedto provide greater flexibility in networkconstruction and are used in developing project networksfor two primary reasons:

• To eliminate delays and reduce networkdetails when activities of long duration delay the starting or finishing of success activities.
• In order to constrain the start and finish activities.