Explain what the critical path is in a project plan. Use an example from an operation, and why is it so important in a supply chain context

Develop a forward pass network diagram from the node information given in Table 1 here below:

 

• Provide a backward pass of your network diagram you just developed (add to the network diagram), and identify areas of slack. Can you put the slack to productive use?

Looking at the network diagram, now examine 3 scenarios where we need to "crash" some of the activities / nodes along the network diagram to meet new timelines. The scenarios are:

1. your total process time needs to change to 60 days,
2. your total process time needs to change to 65 days,
3. your total process time needs to change to 70 days 

 

What is the change in cost for each scenario? Why did you choose to crash the activities you selected? 

 

Please create new tables similar to the given table 1 on the assignment page, and indicate where the changes are happening (changing number of days and costs).

 

Your boss approaches you and says they expect some additional benefits (details in Table 2) for the alternative scenarios with the crashed schedules. Calculate the net benefit for each scenario, based on the expected benefits, and make a recommendation based on your results.

Make sure to submit all calculations.

 

• How does technology and automation play a role in updating and improving processes represented by network diagrams?

ID A B C manufacturing device D manufacturing - packaging E F G H I J Project initiation Raw materials Testing Polishing Packaging Product Release Description Shipping Closing Table 1 Predecessor Duration (days) Cost per day None 100 A B A B E D G H I 5 10 30 5 5 10 5 3 5 1 100 200 50 250 100 50 50 100 100