Qualification:
Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ)
Unit:
F160: Fundamentals of Application Development
Certificate:
Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129)
3.2 - Project Planning Tools
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Project planning tools
Arrow diagram
Critical path analysis Flowcharts
Gantt charts
PERT charts
SWOT analysis
Project Planning Tools
Project planning tools help to visualise the project by clearly showing tasks, timelines and dependencies.
They also break down complex work into smaller, manageable steps and can be used to track progress and identify delays.
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Each tool suits different project needs and has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right tool makes planning more accurate, efficient and successful.
Arrow Diagram
The arrow diagram method is a project planning tool that represents tasks as arrows connected in sequence to show their order and dependencies.
It helps identify the critical path. This is the longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the project’s minimum completion time.
This method is useful for visualising task relationships, spotting bottlenecks and showing the order of activities.
Critical Path Analysis
Critical path analysis (CPA), also known as the critical path method (CPM), is a project planning tool used to identify the critical path.
This is the sequence of tasks that determines the shortest possible project duration. It highlights tasks that cannot be delayed without affecting the overall timeline.
Critical path analysis helps prioritise resources, manage dependencies and minimise project delays.
Flowcharts
A flowchart is a diagram that represents a process or workflow using standard symbols and arrows to show the sequence of steps.
It helps visualise decision points and actions and clearly highlights the flow of information or tasks.
Flowcharts make complex processes easier to understand, communicate ideas to clients and troubleshoot potential problems.
Gantt Charts
A Gantt chart is a visual project management tool that displays tasks along a timeline, showing their start and end dates.
It helps track task dependencies, overlaps and progress at a glance.
Gantt charts are useful for coordinating work, meeting deadlines and ensuring all project stages are completed in order.
PERT Charts
A PERT (program evaluation and review technique) chart is a project planning tool that maps tasks, their dependencies and timelines in a network diagram.
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It uses three time estimates (optimistic, most likely and pessimistic) to calculate expected completion times for each task.
PERT charts are especially useful for scheduling complex projects and identifying the critical path to meet deadlines.
SWOT Analysis
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify a project’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Strengths and weaknesses focus on internal factors (controllable by the organisation), while opportunities and threats look at external influences (outside of the organisation's control).
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It helps guide decision-making by highlighting advantages, weaknesses to address and potential risks or openings in the wider environment.
Questo's Questions
3.2 - Project Planning Tools:
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1. Define the term 'critical path' and explain why it is calculated. [3]
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2. Explain the S, W, O and T in SWOT analysis (not just what they stand for). ​[4]
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3. Choose three project planning tools and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each. ​[12]​
Henry Gantt, an American engineer, created the Gantt chart in the 1910s. It has been used as a planning tool in many major projects, including building the Hoover Dam.
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