A network, in the context of project management, is a visual representation of the tasks, or activities, involved in a project and their dependencies. It shows how these activities connect to each other. Below, we'll delve deeper into what constitutes a network and the construction rules.
Key Components and Rules of a Network
Networks are typically used to plan, schedule, and control complex projects. They are built following specific rules to ensure clarity and accuracy:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Activities | Represented by arrows, they show the work or tasks to be completed. |
| Events | Represented by circles, they indicate the start or end of activities. |
| Direction | Networks flow from left to right, demonstrating the chronological order of activities. |
Network Construction Rules
The following rules must be adhered to when constructing a network:
- Activities and Events:
- Arrows depict the project’s activities— the work to be accomplished.
- Circles represent the events or milestones, marking the start or finish of activities.
- Precedence: An activity cannot commence until all its preceding activities are fully completed. This ensures a logical flow of work.
- Start and End Points:
- Each activity must start from one circle (an event) and terminate at another circle (another event).
- This ensures a clear beginning and end for each activity.
- Event Numbers:
- Event numbers increase as the network progresses from the tail of the arrow to its head.
- This helps in tracking the sequence of events and activities.
- Unique Initial and Final Events: A network should possess only one initial event (where the project begins) and one final event (where the project is completed).
Practical Implications
Understanding these rules is crucial for effective project planning. Correctly constructing a network helps identify:
- Critical activities that directly impact the project's completion time.
- Potential bottlenecks or delays that could arise.
- The overall flow of work required to complete the project.
Example
Imagine you're planning a simple event. You might have activities like: Book a Venue (represented by an arrow), which starts at Event 1 (a circle), and ends at Event 2 (another circle). You cannot start Send Invitations (another arrow) before Book a Venue is complete, thus this arrow originates from Event 2 and goes to Event 3.
