Refer to Table 1.1 and Fig. 1.1.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] CP = 13 (weeks)
2. [1] Total float activity is time an activity can be delayed without delaying overall project duration.
3. [1] LFT - duration – EST
4. [2] 10 – 1 – 4
5. [3] Total Float = 5 (weeks)
6. [1] Understanding of CPA – network diagram, critical path, floats, minimum duration.
7. [1] Benefits of CPA: knowing minimum project time, start times for activities, progress monitoring, assessing significance of delays and if necessary, corrective actions.
8. [1] Limitations of CPA: analysis only as good as input data, planning costs, does not ensure effective management.
9. [1] Importance of continuous supply to retailers.
10. [1] Contractor produced CPA.
11. [1] Contract based on accuracy and reliability of CPA.
12. [1] CPA is quantitative as it allocates timings to activities, so can help with planning and monitoring to ensure project does not over-run.
13. [1] Contractor may have produced CPA and contract terms in order to get the contract. This may mean contract takes longer, which will lead to delays and dissatisfied customers.
14. [1] CPA enables CP to determine non-production time and prepare, by building up inventory, before work starts. This will enable sales to proceed as normal and avoid potential of unmet orders and decreased sales and profit.
15. [1] Enables monitoring critical activities, such as E (delivery of components) and allows CP to take action if a delay is threatened to ensure project is completed on time, minimising production interruptions.
16. [1] Either conclusion is valid, as long as it is justified.
17. [1] CP has contract provision that CPA for the external use paint production line is accurate and reliable so more likely that it is, as the contractor will not want to pay penalty fees.
18. [1] CP experienced in paint production, rather than production line installation, so not likely to know accuracy of CPA.
19. [1] An accurate CPA will be very important for enabling continuous supply of external paints, so customers are not disappointed.
20. [1] CPA only as good as data and the skills of the person who prepared it. Some question about its accuracy so CP wise not to rely solely on its results, especially as the price is low and the contractor produced it.
21. [1] Other information is also important, such as staff training. The CPA does not allow for this.
22. [1] Work progress has to match the CPA plan, so CP would be wise to maintain constant check on progress before and after work starts.