Refer to Table 2 and Fig. 1. Complete node 5 on the network diagram [Figure 1] (reproduced from the Insert).

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] (a)(i) EST = 29
2. [1] (a)(i) LFT = 33
3. [1] (a)(ii) 43 days
4. [1] (a)(iii) A C D F K
5. [1] (a)(iv) Total float = LFT of J – duration – EST of J OR LST – EST
6. [1] (a)(iv) = 43 – 30 – 5
7. [2] (a)(iv) = 8 days
8. [2] (a)(iv) Award full marks for stating 8.
9. [2] (a)(iv) OFR using answer from 2(a)(ii) e.g. 45 – 30 – 5 = 10 days
10. [1] (b) (Knowledge) Definition of network analysis: this is part of project management to ensure that resources are used efficiently.
11. [1] (b) (Knowledge) Also known as critical path analysis it identifies all tasks in a project, puts them in the correct sequence and allows for the identification of the critical path.
12. [1] (b) (Knowledge) Planning of when resources are needed and how their use can save time and money.
13. [1] (b) (Knowledge) Sets target to work towards.
14. [1] (b) (Knowledge) Construction of network diagram forces managers to plan project carefully.
15. [1] (b) (Knowledge) Identifies critical activities for management to focus on.
16. [1] (b) (Limitations) Will need to be supported by other techniques to manage resources effectively.
17. [1] (b) (Limitations) Plan is only as good as the management behind it.
18. [1] (b) (Limitations) For completely new project there may be considerable guesswork involved in estimating durations.
19. [1] (b) (Application) Reference to activities in Table 2.
20. [1] (b) (Application) Fixtures and fittings can be ordered to arrive just-in-time for their installation day - 30.
21. [1] (b) (Application) Reference to total float / free float of individual activities.
22. [1] (b) (Application) Total float of G & H is 4 days.
23. [1] (b) (Application) Free float of H is 4 days.
24. [1] (b) (Application) Activity E has total and free float of 15 days.
25. [1] (b) (Application) Reference to delay in delivery of office furniture and impact on minimum time.
26. [1] (b) (Application) This will be the 11th Beehive opened by UBH so experienced at managing projects.
27. [1] (b) (Analysis) Planning when resources are needed and when/how to make best use of them can save time and money so increasing profit.
28. [1] (b) (Analysis) Fixtures and fittings can be ordered to arrive just-in-time for their installation day – 30, so cash outflows can be delayed.
29. [1] (b) (Analysis) Targets set may help motivate staff and increase efficiency, making it more likely that the new beehive will open on time.
30. [1] (b) (Analysis) UBH can inform customers of when the new beehive will open and help ensure that customers are not dissatisfied. This increases revenue and will help ensure that capacity utilisation is higher when the beehive opens.
31. [1] (b) (Analysis) If project falls behind schedule then managers may be able to divert resources from non-critical activities and get the project back on schedule. This could prevent a loss of income from potential customers taking their custom to other co-working spaces.
32. [1] (b) (Evaluation) Supported judgement of the usefulness of CPA in opening new centres.
33. [1] (b) (Evaluation) Network presented is relatively simplistic – more detail needed.
34. [1] (b) (Evaluation) Elements that the evaluation/judgement might depend on: Does not guarantee that project will be completed on time.
35. [1] (b) (Evaluation) External influences over which UBH has no control can disrupt the opening of new beehives.
36. [1] (b) (Evaluation) UBH has experience of planning building work so should be relatively accurate.
37. [1] (b) (Evaluation) If management of the project is poor then even a good CPA will not ensure success.
38. [1] (b) (Evaluation) UBH may only have control over some of the activities such as G and H. Other activities may be controlled by subcontractors such as D.
39. [1] (b) (Evaluation) It may not be possible to redirect resources from a non-critical to a critical activity in the event of a delay e.g. can't redirect labour from G (employee recruitment) to D (building work and inspection).