Microsoft Project and Project Scheduling

Creating a Project Network
1. Here is a partial work breakdown structure for a wedding. Use the method described
in the Snapshot from Practice 6.1: The Yellow Sticky Approach to create a network
for this project.
Note: Do not include summary tasks in the network (i.e., 1.3, Ceremony, is a summary
task; 1.2, Marriage license, is not a summary task). Do not consider who would be
doing the task in building the network. For example, do not arrange “hiring a band” to
occur after “florist” because the same person is responsible for doing both tasks. Focus
only on technical dependencies between tasks.
Hint: Start with the last activity (wedding reception), and work your way back to the
start of the project. Build the logical sequence of tasks by asking the following question:
In order to have or do this, what must be accomplished immediately before this?
Once completed, check forward in time by asking this question: Is this task(s) the only
thing that is needed immediately before the start of the next task?
Work Breakdown Structure
1. Wedding project
1.1 Decide on date
1.2 Marriage license
1.3 Ceremony
1.3.1 Rent church
1.3.2 Florist
1.3.3 Create/print programs
1.3.4 Hire photographer
1.3.5 Wedding ceremony
1.4 Guests
1.4.1 Develop guest list
1.4.2 Order invitations
1.4.3 Address and mail invitations
1.4.4 Track RSVPs
1.5 Reception
1.5.1 Reserve reception hall
1.5.2 Food and beverage
1.5.2.1 Choose caterer
1.5.2.2 Decide on menu
1.5.2.3 Make final order
1.5.3 Hire DJ
1.5.4 Decorate reception hall
1.5.5 Wedding reception
Exercises
200 Larson
Chapter 6 Developing a Project Plan 191
Drawing AON Networks
2. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(ies) is a burst
activity? What activity(ies) is a merge activity?
ID Description Predecessor
A Survey site None
B Excavate site A
C Install power lines B
D Install drainage B
E Pour foundation C, D
3.* Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(ies) is a burst
activity? What activity(ies) is a merge activity?
ID Description Predecessor
A Identify topic None
B Research topic A
C Draft paper B
D Edit paper C
E Create graphics C
F References C
G Proof paper D, E, F
H Submit paper G
4. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(ies) is a burst
activity? What activity(ies) is a merge activity?
ID Description Predecessor
A Contract signed None
B Survey designed A
C Target market identified B
D Data collection B, C
E Develop presentation B
F Analyze results D
G Demographics C
H Presentation E, F, G
5. Draw a project network from the following information. What activity(ies) is a burst
activity? What activity(ies) is a merge activity?
ID Description Predecessor
A Order review None
B Order standard parts A
C Produce standard parts A
D Design custom parts A
E Software development A
F Manufacture custom parts C, D
G Assemble B, F
H Test E, G
* The solution to this exercise can be found in Appendix On