Unit 5: Project Scheduling, Network Analysis & Control

Project Scheduling, Network Analysis, & Control

Project scheduling is the process of defining tasks, timelines, resources, and dependencies to ensure smooth execution and timely project completion.

Steps in Project Scheduling

Network Design in Projects

Network design refers to using graphical techniques like CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) to represent task sequences and durations.

Gantt Chart

A Gantt chart is a visual scheduling tool that displays project tasks against time.

Benefits: Easy to understand, helps in tracking progress, identifies overlapping tasks.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

WBS is a tool used to break down a project into manageable sections or tasks.

Purpose: Helps in resource allocation, cost estimation, and schedule planning.

In Short, Project scheduling and network analysis ensure that every task is organized, timed, and tracked effectively. Tools like Gantt Charts and WBS simplify planning, while network techniques optimize time and resource usage for successful project delivery.

Identifying and Application of Nodes and Activities

In project scheduling, a network diagram shows the sequence of activities (tasks) and their interdependencies.

• Node: Represents a milestone or activity (depending on the method used).
• Activity: Represents a task or process in the project.

These are visualized using two main methods:

Activity on Arrow (AoA) Method

 Example: Arrow between Node 1 and Node 2 represents an activity "A" with a specific duration.

Activity on Node (AoN) Method

Example: Node "A" (activity) connects to Node "B" (activity) showing B depends on A.

Application of PERT and CPM

📊 PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique)

CPM (Critical Path Method)

 Planning – Monitoring – Control Cycle

This cycle ensures continuous project health and success.

Tracking through Gantt Chart

Gantt Chart is used to track project tasks and their timeline.

It provides a visual comparison between planned vs actual task progress and helps managers take action quickly.

In Short, Mastering network methods like AoA, AoN, PERT, and CPM, along with tools like Gantt Charts, and following the planning-monitoring-control cycle ensures project efficiency, timely delivery, and resource optimization.

What is Earned Value Analysis (EVA)?

EVA is a way to check how well your project is doing in terms of time and money.

It answers questions like:

• Are we on budget or spending more?
• Are we on schedule or falling behind?

Planned Value (PV)

How much money you planned to spend on the project by today. Example: If you planned to build 50 chairs in 10 days, and by Day 5, you planned to complete 25 chairs at ₹100 each,

PV = ₹2,500

Earned Value (EV)

How much work has actually been done (in terms of money) by today. Example: If you only finished 20 chairs out of 25 planned (₹100 each),

EV = ₹2,000

Cost Variance (CV)

Formula: CV = EV - AC

• (AC = Actual Cost you spent)
• Are you spending more or less than what the work is actually worth?

🔹 Example:

• EV = ₹2,000, AC = ₹2,500
• CV = ₹2,000 - ₹2,500 = -₹500

(You're ₹500 over budget)

Schedule Variance (SV)

Formula: SV = EV - PV

• Are you on time, ahead, or behind schedule?

🔹 Example:

• EV = ₹2,000, PV = ₹2,500
• SV = ₹2,000 - ₹2,500 = -₹500

(You're behind schedule)

Cost Performance Index (CPI)

Formula: CPI = EV / AC

• How well are you spending your money?
• More than 1 = good; Less than 1 = bad

🔹 Example:

• EV = ₹2,000, AC = ₹2,500
• CPI = 2,000 / 2,500 = 0.8 → You are not cost-efficient

Schedule Performance Index (SPI)

Formula: SPI = EV / PV

• How well are you sticking to the schedule?
• More than 1 = ahead; Less than 1 = behind

🔹 Example:

• EV = ₹2,000, PV = ₹2,500
• SPI = 2,000 / 2,500 = 0.8 → You are behind schedule

Final Summary Table

What is Project Termination?

Project Termination means formally ending a project. It happens when the project is:

• Completed successfully,
• Cancelled,
• No longer needed, or
• Fails to meet objectives.

It involves wrapping up all project activities and ensuring proper handover, documentation, and final reporting.

📌 Types of Project Terminations

Project termination refers to the formal closing or ending of a project. A project can be terminated for various reasons, and there are four main types of project termination:

1. Termination by Extinction

The project is stopped because it has either been successfully completed or has failed and cannot continue.

Examples

• A construction project finishes as planned → Successful extinction
• A software project fails due to lack of performance → Unsuccessful extinction

🧠 Key Point: This is the most common and straightforward form of project closure.

2. Termination by Addition

The project's output or results are so valuable that it becomes a permanent part of the organization.

Examples

• A new internal tool is developed and becomes the company’s standard software.
• A pilot project in marketing is so effective it becomes a full-time department.

🧠 Key Point: The project evolves into an ongoing operation.

3. Termination by Integration

The project ends, and its resources (team, tools, or knowledge) are merged into existing departments.

Examples

• A team developing a new product joins the product management department.
• A project’s data is transferred to the operations department.

🧠 Key Point: This allows knowledge and resources to be retained and reused.

4. Termination by Starvation

The project is not officially closed, but is slowly shut down by reducing resources, funds, or attention.

Examples

• A tech startup loses investor support, and work stops gradually.
• A research project gets no funding, so progress halts over time.

🧠 Key Point: This is an indirect and often unplanned form of project death.

Project Termination Process

The project termination process is the structured set of steps followed to formally close a project. It ensures that all project work is completed, responsibilities are handed over, resources are released, and lessons are learned.

🔄 Steps in the Project Termination Process

Purpose of Project Termination Process

• To ensure no loose ends remain
• To evaluate performance and document learnings
• To release resources effectively
• To formally close the project in records

In Short, Project termination is not always a failure. It is an important part of project management to ensure that time, money, and resources are used wisely. Understanding when and how to terminate a project helps organizations focus on the most valuable work.