Method CPM (Critical Path Method) CCM (Critical Chain Method) PERT Method (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)
Method CPM (Critical Path Method) CCM (Critical Chain Method) PERT Method (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)
Method CPM (Critical Path Method) CCM (Critical Chain Method) PERT Method (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)
subordinates.
Network Analysis methods is a group of special analytical methods that are used
in case where it is necessary to analyze and optimize a network of inteconnected
and related elements that have some connection between one another.
RULES-N/W
The network analysis methods are used in project management where the
elements are key activities of the project in the mutual time relation.
The network analysis methods focus on calculating or critical path optimizing between the
elements. Among basic network analysis methods include:
The network analysis methods are related to the concept of network diagram, which is a
view of the project as a diagram which expresses various links between the project activities.
The network diagrams and network analysis methods are based on the Graph Theory.
In project management, network diagrams are used both edge-rated (defined), where the
edges of the graph represent the activities of the project and nodes of their connection (or
events between activities), and graphs nodal rated (defined), where graph nodes represent the
activities and edges represent relations between them.
Critical Path Method (CPM) is one of the basic deterministic methods of the network
analysis. Its aim is to determine the duration of the project based on the critical path length,
which is a sequence of interdependent activities with the least float. CPM allows to facilitate
effective time coordination of individual, mutually consecutive activities within the project.
The critical path is defined as the (time) longest possible path from start point to end point
of the chart. Each project has at least one critical path. Each critical path consists of the list of
activities to which the project manager should focus the most, if he wants to ensure timely
completition of the project. Date of the completition of the last task on the critical path is also
the date of the completition of the project. For critical tasks to be applied, the total time
reserve and thus free time reserve is equal to zero, i.e. that the start delay of this task or to
extend its duration will affect the final date of the the project. The critical path is reflected in
the schedule and project management in all phases of the project lifecycle.
The use of the CPM in practice: this method can serve as a tool mainly for estimating the
duration of the project. It is used for lienar projects where the duration can be estimated
with a high degree of accuracy, such as the construction industry. The duration of the project
activities is usually known by past experience and knowledge from data on past projects. The
durations are not statistically determined. The method can be used also in the field of logistics
and transportation.
PERT Method (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is one of the standard
methods of network analysis. PERT Method is a generalization of the Critical Path Method
(CPM). PERT is used to manage complex actions having stochastic nature. Here, the duration
of each sub-activity is understood as a random variable having a probability distribution.
Empirically it was found that in practice the beta distribution describes it the best because it
better reflects the variability of operating conditions (e.g. mining operations).
The aim of the PERT models is such an arrangement of activities that would ensure a
compliance with the deadline of the project with sufficiently high probability. The basic
difference from the CPM is, that the duration of the activity is not precisely known but it is
given only with a certain probability. This duration is not constant but a random variable with
a certain probability distribution. Due to the nature of issues addressed in the project
management, the beta distribution was chosen for the classical practices. This distribution is
very close to the normal distribution, it is continuous, single, slightly, asymmetrical, but
unlike normal it is bounded on both sides.
EOQ ABC
Business strategy
Business strategy defines how each individual business will attempt to achieve its
mission within its chosen field of endeavour. This strategy referred to each separate
business unit (SBU) or strategic planning unit (SPU). At this level strategy two critical
issues are specified: (1) the scope or boundaries of each business and the operational
links with corporate strategy, and (2) the basis on which the business unit will achieve
and maintain a competitive advantage within its industry (Wheelwright, 1984).
Functional strategy
Functional strategy focuses on supporting the corporate and business strategies. This
strategy is the a strategy for each specific functional unit within a business. Functional
strategies primarily are concerned with the activities of the functional areas of a
business (i.e., operations, finance, marketing, personnel, etc.) will seaport the desired
competitive business level strategy and complement each other.
Some authors also distinguish: operating strategy and industry strategy. For example,
Thompson and Strickland explain that,
"operating strategy refers to the even narrower and more detailed approaches and moves
devised by departmental-subunit managers and geographic-unit managers to achieve the
strategy-supporting performance objectives established in their areas of responsibility