Question 1. The following information is extracted from a project to develop a state-of-the-art alternative power energy storage device.

Activity Duration Predecessors Resources

A 4 days -- 1 research engineer

B 3 days A 1 marketing specialist

C 5 days A 1 design engineer

D 3 days A 1 design engineer

E 3 days B 1 prototype builder

F 2 days D 1 test engineer

The owner has stipulated that in order to provide continuity throughout the project, the same individual must handle all activities under his or her discipline. Activities on this project cannot be split.

(a) Identify any resource conflicts in the above project. State the activities involved, the time frame of the conflict(s), which resources are involved, and the quantity required.

(b) Given the owner's stipulation regarding project continuity and the need to minimize project duration, how can this conflict be resolved? What will be the effect on the project duration?

Question 2. The following data were obtained from an information systems project to upgrade and expand a local area network.

Activity Duration Predecessors Task Budget

A 3 days --- $4,920

B 6 days --- $7,680

C 3 days A $15,140

D 2 days B $4,980

E 3 days B $5,630

F 2 days C and D $2,270

At the end of Day 7, the status of the project is as follows.

Activity % Complete Actual Cost

A 100% $4,200

B 100% $8,740

C 100% $18,250

D 65% $2,600

E 10% $560

F 0% $0

(a) Calculate the cost and schedule variances and indexes for Tasks A, B, C, D, and E.

(b) As project manager, write a brief summary of the status of the project at this time.

Question 3. You are project manager for three different projects.

Project A: This project is in the execution stage of the project. It is behind schedule by 6 weeks; it was scheduled to be completed in 10 weeks. The sponsor is desperate to accomplish something on this project. The budget is limited to the original amount, and all soft predecessors have already been removed.

Project B: This project is behind schedule by 10 weeks. It was to have been completed in 2 months. The sponsor has additional funds to help complete the project on time if needed but does not want to increase risk to the project.

Project C: This project is scheduled to take 18 weeks to complete. You are in the planning stage of the project. You need to reduce the schedule for this project by 5 weeks. This project has a number of predecessors that were created by the project team's preference. The sponsor insists on having all the work done on time without unduly increasing risk or costs to the project.

For each of the project above, choose an appropriate schedule compression technique. Explain your choice.