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What is an Activity Network Diagram?An Activity Network Diagram (AND) is also called an Arrow Diagram (because the pictorial display has arrows in it) or a PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) Diagram, and it is used for identifying time sequences of events that are pivotal to objectives. In Critical Path Analysis, this helps the teams to comprehend the specific event sequences driving time requirements for objective achievement. Activity Network Diagrams are also very useful when a project has multiple activities that need simultaneous management.
Image Source: www.sixsigmadaily.com Activity Network Diagrams started out as an engineering and construction project management tool. Critical Path Analysis draws on this methodology to identify and standardize medical management activities. An Activity Network Diagram helps to find out the most efficient sequence of events needed to complete any project. It enables you to create a realistic project schedule by graphically showing
History of Activity Network DiagramIt was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. It was first used as a management tool for military projects. It was Adapted as an educational tool for business managers. EdrawMaxAll-in-One Diagram SoftwareCreate more than 280 types of diagrams effortlessly Start diagramming with various templates and symbols easily
Activity Network Diagram SymbolsIn this section, we will know about the AND symbols. These symbols are used to complete the diagram by representing the network entities through the symbols. So, in order to make an activity network diagram, you should know these basic symbols.
There are four symbols extensively used for the activity network diagram. They are as follows.
Activity Relationship TypesActivity dependency is the main topic in the Activity network diagram, making them the building blocks. The activities are always dependent on each other, making them perform based on taking permission from others. Four types of relationships exist between two activities in the Activity Network diagram, and they are Finish-to-Start (FS), Start-to-Start (SS), Start-to-Finish (SF), and Finish-to-Finish (FF). Their short description is listed below.
Pros and Cons of Activity Network DiagramsThis section will tell you the pros and cons of using the activity network diagram listed below. Pros of using an Activity network diagram
Cons of using an Activity network diagram
Activity Network Diagram ExamplesThe concepts we learned above theoretically, now we will see them practically. Some of the examples of activity network diagrams are illustrated below. Example 1: Activity Network Diagram
A project is composed of a set of actions or tasks which usually have some kind of interdependency. For example, before an axle can be turned, it must first be designed, the metal must be purchased, etc. This type of complex system is much easier to understand through the use of diagrams than through textual description, as actual interconnections between tasks can be shown. You can draw the activity network diagram easily with Edraw software. The Activity Network diagram displays interdependencies between tasks through the use of boxes and arrows. Arrows pointing into a task box come from its predecessor tasks, which must be completed before the task can start. Arrows pointing out of a task box go to its successor tasks, which cannot start until at least this task is complete. Example 2: AOA Network Diagram
The above chart illustrates the AoA networking diagram, a networking mechanism that lets you calculate the progress of the task in a project. The diagram is used for CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique). In the above example, the circles represent the tasks or evenings, and the lines show how each activity flows. Example 3: Precedence diagram
The precedence diagram is the tool for project managers that helps them form a scheduled network diagram for a project plan. In the above illustration, the boxes are the activities called nodes, and the lines connecting them show how the activities relate to each other. How to Create an Activity Network Diagram?In this section, we will know how the activity network diagram is made and some of the rules to make them. Rules for Drawing Activity Network DiagramsFollow the below rules to make your activity networking diagram save from the pitfalls and make it look complete and perfect.
The Process of Making an Activity Network DiagramThe following points are the general process to make an activity network diagram. These points are capable of making a basic diagram. Gather the TasksThe first thing is to gather all the information about the tasks and list them accordingly. The Chronological OrderPut all the tasks in chronological order. It means putting tasks B and C in front of task A if it needs both B and C to complete before it can be utilized. Calculate the TimeMap the short, long, and overall time you need to complete a particular task and project. Critical PathThe tasks executing in the planned order need time called the critical path. Calculate the critical path as the project would never be complete without it. Re-evaluate the StuffMeasure the things again to make the critical path shorter. Try to perform every measure inside your abilities to make the project complete in a shorter time. Is acceptable for arrows to cross one another in a network diagram?It is acceptable for arrows to cross one another in a network diagram. The backward pass through a project network determines slack or how long an activity can be delayed without impacting the completion date of the project.
What shape is used to represent an activity in an AoN graph?AoN Diagram
In this type of diagram, the activities are represented by nodes. The nodes are then connected to one another by arrows. These arrows are used to show the relationship between the activities.
What is another name for activity on node diagramming?There are two main types of network diagrams in project management: the arrow diagramming method (ADM), also known as “activity network diagram” or “activity on arrow”; and the precedence diagramming method (PDM), also known as “node network” or “activity on node.”
Which activities are to be completed immediately following a particular activity?1. Activities that must be completed immediately before an activity are called predecessor activities. 2. Activities that must follow immediately after an activity are called successor activities.
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