Refer to Appendix 1. Draw a network diagram for the new factory project.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [4] completely correct and labelled network diagram – see below
2. [3] one error
3. [2] 2 or more errors but most logical dependencies correct
4. [1] Some knowledge shown
5. [2] All ESTs correct
6. [2] All LFTs correct
7. [K] Critical path is the length of time needed to complete all critical activities.
8. [K] Activities on critical path have no 'spare' or 'float' time.
9. [K] Float times might be used to switch resources.
10. [APP] 23 weeks gives project just a 'float' of 1 week.
11. [APP] Critical path is: ABEFGH
12. [APP] Critical activities can only be delayed by max of 1 week.
13. [APP] Modular building system untried.
14. [APP] Building parts coming from country Y
15. [APP] Industrial action could be caused by redundancies / way information communicated
16. [APP] Planning permission may take longer than 6 weeks
17. [APP] Float for activities C and D (C = 6 weeks; D = 10 weeks)
18. [APP] If critical activities e.g. E, do over run some resources on non-critical activities might be directed towards them.
19. [APP] The 22 weeks assumes that all activities run to time yet they were estimated times.
20. [AN] Planning of when resources are needed can ensure that they are available when needed and thus it is more likely that the project will be completed on time
21. [AN] Calculating the EST for each activity allows the operations manager to order special equipment needed for that task at the correct time
22. [AN] Targets set will help motivate staff and increase efficiency and thus reduce time taken to complete the project
23. [AN] It provides a useful control tool for operations. The manager will be able to see whether the project is on schedule by checking the actual completion times against the network LFT. Can then take remedial action if necessary to get project back on track if there are delays.
24. [AN] The need to put all activities into sequence forces managers to plan each project carefully
25. [EVAL] Some uncertainties: industrial action caused by redundancies and the way they were communicated; use of new building method – is time forecast accurate?
26. [EVAL] Planning permission might take longer – bureaucratic administration of local authority?
27. [EVAL] Cannot be that confident – depends on his skills as a project leader/resource manager.