Project network
Encyclopedia
A project network is a graph
(flow chart) depicting the sequence in which a project's terminal elements are to be completed by showing terminal elements and their dependencies
.
The work breakdown structure
or the product breakdown structure
show the "part-whole" relations. In contrast, the project network shows the "before-after" relations.
The most popular form of project network is activity on node, the other one is activity on arrow.
The condition for a valid project network is that it doesn't contain any circular reference
s.
Project dependencies can also be depicted by a predecessor table. Although such a form is very inconvenient for human analysis, project management software
often offers such a view for data entry.
An alternative way of showing and analyzing the sequence of project work is the design structure matrix.
Information graphics
Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics present complex information quickly and clearly, such as in signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and education...
(flow chart) depicting the sequence in which a project's terminal elements are to be completed by showing terminal elements and their dependencies
Dependency (project management)
In a project network, a dependency is a link amongst a project's terminal elements.There are four kinds of dependencies with respect to ordering terminal elements :# Finish to start...
.
The work breakdown structure
Work breakdown structure
A work breakdown structure , in project management and systems engineering, is a deliverable oriented decomposition of a project into smaller components. It defines and groups a project's discrete work elements in a way that helps organize and define the total work scope of the project.A work...
or the product breakdown structure
Product breakdown structure
In project management, a product breakdown structure is a tool for analysing, documenting and communicating the outcomes of a project, and forms part of the product based planning technique....
show the "part-whole" relations. In contrast, the project network shows the "before-after" relations.
The most popular form of project network is activity on node, the other one is activity on arrow.
The condition for a valid project network is that it doesn't contain any circular reference
Circular reference
A circular reference is a series of references where the last object references the first, resulting in a closed loop.-In language:A circular reference is not to be confused with the logical fallacy of a circular argument...
s.
Project dependencies can also be depicted by a predecessor table. Although such a form is very inconvenient for human analysis, project management software
Project management software
Project management software is a term covering many types of software, including estimation and planning, scheduling, cost control and budget management, resource allocation, collaboration software, communication, quality management and documentation or administration systems, which are used to...
often offers such a view for data entry.
An alternative way of showing and analyzing the sequence of project work is the design structure matrix.
See also
- Float (project management)Float (project management)In project management, float or slack is the amount of time that a task in a project network can be delayed without causing a delay to:* subsequent tasks * project completion date...
- Gantt chartGantt chartA Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project. Terminal elements and summary elements comprise the work breakdown structure of the project. Some Gantt charts...
- Project managementProject managementProject management is the discipline of planning, organizing, securing, and managing resources to achieve specific goals. A project is a temporary endeavor with a defined beginning and end , undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives, typically to bring about beneficial change or added value...
- Project planningProject planningProject planning is part of project management, which relates to the use of schedules such as Gantt charts to plan and subsequently report progress within the project environment....
- Program Evaluation and Review TechniqueProgram Evaluation and Review TechniqueThe Program ' Evaluation and Review Technique, commonly abbreviated PERT, is a statistical tool, used in project management, that is designed to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a given project...