Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) or Activity on Node (AON)

The precedence diagramming method or Activity on Node Method

Video Explanation of Key Concepts 

 

Practice Sheet to Support Above Example  Demonstrated in the Video

Answer Sheet to Support Above Example Demonstrated in the Video   

The precedence diagramming method or Activity on Node Method
 

The precedence diagramming method (PDM) is what most project management software programs use today. Precedence diagrams connect activities with arrows that show dependencies between the activities. This method is also called activity on node (AON).

The activity information is written on the nodes with arrows connecting the nodes, or dependent activities. The nodes are shown as rectangles, and you are free to put as much information about the activity on the node as you’d like. The minimum information that should be displayed on the node is the activity name. Sometimes the nodes are displayed with activity name, activity number, start and stop dates, due dates, slack time, and so on.

Keep in mind that the construction of these network diagrams might bring activities to light that you missed when defining your activity list, or it might make you break an activity down into two activities in places where you thought one activity might work. If this is the case, you will produce activity list updates based on this new information.

FOUR TYPES OF PRECEDENCE RELATIONSHIP

Finish to start (FS)
This is the most frequently used logical relationship. This relationship says that the independent, or from activity, must finish before the dependent, or to activity, can start.

Start to finish (SF)
The start to finish relationship says that the independent activity must start before the dependent activity can finish. This logical relationship is seldom used.

Finish to finish (FF)
This relationship says that the independent activity must finish before the dependent activity finishes.

Start to start (SS):
This relationship says that the independent activity must start before the dependent
activity can start. Keep these logical relationships

Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT) and System Dynamics models,

These techniques allow for nonsequential activities such as loops and conditional branches. PDM and ADM do not allow loops or conditional branches.
 

Resource Management

Key Point:

1. All projects require resources, from the smallest to the largest.
2. Resourcesin this case does not mean just people; it means all the physicalresources required to complete the project. This includes people, equipment,supplies, materials, software, hardware—and the list goes on depending onthe project you’re working on.
3. Resource Planningis the process of determiningwhat physical resources are needed, and in what quantity, to performproject activities.
4. Developing a resource management plan encompasses several processes including Resource Planning, Organizational Planning, Staff Acquisition,Solicitation Planning, and Procurement Planning. The combined outputsfrom these processes will comprise your resource management plan.