Remember the old saying, "A project plan is not a schedule until resources are committed." This exercise illustrates this sometimes subtle, but important point. All information is found in Tables A2.1 and A2.2, Note: Use any project management tool that you have available to you. However, ProjectLibre project management software is free and can be found at www.projectlibre.com

Create a memo (five hundred words) that addresses the following questions:

1. Which if any of the resources are overallocated?

2. Assume that the project is time constrained and try to resolve any overallocation problems by leveling within slack. What happens?

3. What is the impact of leveling within slack on the sensitivity of the network?

4. Assume the project is resource-constrained and resolve any overallocation problems by leveling outside of slack. What happens?

Include a Gantt chart with the schedule table after leveling outside of slack.

Note: No splitting of activities is allowed. No partial assignments (e.g., 50 percent). All resources must be assigned 100 percent.

TABLE A2.1 Activity Resources Resource Assignments Need survey MRKT (500%) Set product specs R&D (400%), MRKT (200%) Shelf life report R&D (300%) Nutrition report R&D (300%) Select fruit suppliers PURCH (100%) Equipment rehab ENG (1,000%), PROD (2,000%) Production trials PROD (1,500%), PURCH (100%), ENG (1,000%) Quality trials QUAL (300%), PROD (500%) Quality metrics QUAL (300%), PROD (100%) Quality training QUAL (300%), PROD (1,500%) Market testing MRKT (500%) Package design DESIGN (300%), MRKT (100%) Select distributors MRKT (500%) Complete FDA certification LEGAL (300%) Register trademark LEGAL (300%) Prepare product launch QUAL (300%), PURCH (200%), PROD (1,500%), MRKT (500%), ENG (500%), R&D (100%) TABLE A2.2 Resource Abbrev Available Hourly rate Resources Availability and Pay Marketing staff MRKT $ 80/hr Rates R&D R&D $ 80/hr Engineering ENG $100/hr Purchasing PURCH $ 60/hr O WWWN OUT UT Quality engineers QUAL $ 80/hr Designers DESIGN $ 60/hr Legal staff LEGAL $120/hr Production PROD $ 60/hr