Question: For given Example, suppose that the programmers choose not to obtain additional help to complete the project; that is, Bonner will code the modules without outside assistance.
a. In what way will this alter the project network and the precedence constraints?
b. Find the critical path of the project network you obtained in part (a). How much longer is it than the one determined in Example?
Example: Simon North and Irving Bonner, computer consultants, are considering embarking on a joint project that will involve development of a relatively small commercial software package for personal computers. The program involves scientific calculations for a specialized portion of the engineering market. North and Bonner have broken down the project into nine tasks. The first task is to undertake a market survey in order to determine exactly what the potential clientele will require and what features of the software are likely to be the most attractive. Once this stage is completed, the actual development of the programs can begin. The programming requirements fall into two broad categories: graphics and source code. Because the system will be interactive and icon driven, the first task is to identify and design the icons. After the programmers have completed the icon designs, they can proceed with the second part of the graphics development, design of the input/output screens.
These include the various menus and report generators required in the system. The second part of the project is coding the modules that do the scientific calculations. The first step is to develop a detailed flowchart of the system. After they complete the flowchart, the programmers can begin work on the modules. There are a total of four modules. The work on modules 1 and 2 can begin immediately after completion of the flowchart. Module 3 requires parts of module 1, so the work on module 3 cannot begin until module 1 is finished. The programming of module 4 cannot start until both modules 1 and 2 are completed. Once the graphics portion of the project and the modules are completed, the two separate phases of the system must be merged and the entire system tested and debugged. North has managed to obtain some funding for the project, but his source requires that the program be completed and ready to market in 25 weeks. In order to determine whether this is feasible, the two programmers have divided the project into nine indivisible tasks and have estimated the time required for each task. The list of these tasks, the times required, and the precedence relationships are given below.
