A project to remodel an office area has the following activities. (Hint: You will need to build an AIB diagram, perform a forward pass, and perform a backward pass to answer this question.)
Activity Duration Predecessors
A 4 months ---
B 3 months ---
C 3 months ---
D 5 months C
E 3 months A, B
F 3 months B, C
G 3 months E, F
H 4 months D, F
I 5 months G
J 2 months H
a) What are the critical path activities?
b) b) What is the project's scheduled completion time?
c) c) What is the slack or float for Activity C? Show your calculations.
d) d) What is the slack or float for Activity D? Show your calculations.
e) e) What is the slack or float for Activity F? Show your calculations.
f) f) What is the slack or float for Activity G? Show your calculations.
(TCO F) Analyze and compare the costs of the two projects in terms of performance efficiency, budget, and schedule. Make sure to show your calculations and analyze and explain the results. (Note: Providing just numbers will receive only partial credit.)
Project A: The budgeted cost of work performed is $48,000, and the actual cost of work performed is $52,000. The budgeted cost of work scheduled is $54,000.
Project B: The budgeted cost of work performed is $108,000, and the actual cost of work performed is $200,000. The budgeted cost of work scheduled is $232,000.
(TCO B) Speedy Computer, Inc. (SCI) is going to introduce its first laptop computer. Although SCI recognizes that it is a late entry into the market, it believes that there is room for an inexpensive product at the low end of the market. Its design process will start with a conceptual design performed concurrently with the disassembly and analysis of a select group of the competitor's products. The best components consistent with the conceptual design will then be used as the basis for the working design. A prototype will then be developed, with a focus on using components that are readily available in the marketplace. The prototype will be tested for technical performance and ease of use, and a cost estimate will be prepared to determine if the product can be profitably manufactured. If the prototype shows promise, work will begin on a marketing program and operations services, which include the development of user manuals and service programs. Manufacturing will be performed by subcontractors to the greatest extent possible to reduce risk. Final assembly and testing will be performed at SCI's existing facilities.
Prepare a work breakdown structure (WBS) for this project with activities corresponding to a two-level task and subtask hierarchy. Number the WBS codes so that the level of each activity is clearly identified. Do not worry about indentation.
(TCO B) You are reaching the end of your graduate-school program, and you are planning a large party to celebrate your success! You have rented out the local forest preserve as the venue for your party. Applying your project-management skills, you want to ensure you have everything planned out, and you've asked your family and friends to be a part of your team to hold this party. At your party, you have made it clear to your team what you want to have delivered. After all, it's your party--you can have whatever you want!
Some of the key items you want at your party include:
graduation announcements;
party invitations;
live entertainment;
games (for adults and for children);
food;
beverages;
and convenience for all (parking, restroom facilities, etc.).
a) To ensure you have a clear scope for your team, create a 2-level WBS. Don't forget to include your WBS numbering. In your WBS, how many work packages have been created?