Network Diagram in Project Management - An Overview

What is a network diagram in project management?

Network diagrams in project management services illustrate the project's workflow. The project's timeframe and activities can be seen from a wider perspective. Network diagrams for projects make it easier for all parties involved to visually follow the development of each stage from conception to conclusion. A chart with boxes and arrows makes up the network diagram. The boxes represent tasks and responsibilities, and the arrows represent the order in which the tasks must be accomplished as well as the schedule.

Network diagrams are used by project managers to monitor the project schedule network and show the status of each activity. The entire project management team can then be notified of the status. For people who comprehend information better when it is presented graphically, this is extremely useful. Project network diagrams will simplify those team members' tasks and boost project performance.

Project managers can use network diagrams to distribute resources and plan project timelines. However, developing a network diagram demands extensive preparation because leaving out even one activity might have a domino effect on the project's planned schedule and cost. It's crucial to follow the precedence of activities as depicted in the picture since some must end before the next one may begin. Network diagrams can also be used to evaluate the effect of completing activities early or late on the entire project.

According to PMI's Guide, the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK, 6th ed., ch. 3.3), a project schedule network diagram is an output type of the process "sequencing activities." It represents a specific input/output mechanism that represents a schematic representation of all logical linkages between the existing project schedule activities. This representation is based on a clear expression of the task and event chronologies.

The diagram is based on the logical relationship between activities. These are the four types of dependencies in project management network diagrams:

1. Finish to Finish (FF)

2. Finish to Start (FS)

3. Start to Start (SS)

4. Start to Finish (SF)

The network diagram in project management is portrayed as a diagram filled with boxes and arrows to show a workflow. Anyone can monitor the progress of the work at any time. This diagram predicts the work period of the project and the outcome of the project. There are two types of schedule network diagrams: AON (Activities of Nodes) and (AOA) Activities of Arrows. We will be seeing it briefly in the following topics.

Some of the terminologies that are essential for a project network diagram are:

• Activity: Any specific task that needs time, labor, materials, or other resources to execute. In a network diagram, the arrow represents activity.
• Parallel activity: One or more tasks are done at the same time and autonomously.
• Serial activity: A series of activities performed one after the other.
• Dummy activity: A hypothetical activity used to demonstrate a relationship. That activity is represented by a dummy arrow (dashed arrow).
• Activity duration: Period for the completion of the project.
• Node (event): An event is the beginning or end of an activity that consumes no time, people, materials, or other resources in a specific period.
• Events: Final result of the completed tasks.
• Path: Track the connected activities.
• Network: The combination that defines the project, the activities, and the events.
• Activity dependency: An activity dependency can be either a predecessor or a successor. A predecessor is who comes before an activity, while a successor is who comes after an activity.
• Lead: The period to advance the activity.
• Lag: The time elapsed between the completion of two tasks.
• Float: Any interruption or time intervention.It can be either free float or total float.
• Free float: The time allotted for an activity to take a break without distressing its final output.
• Total float: A period of break or delay that does not postpone the completion date is acceptable.
• Critical: Any activity, event, or path that delays the completion of the project.
• Critical path: The longest path in the network diagram. The duration of your project will be impacted by any critical activity delays. The length of the project is determined by the longest path on the network. There can be more than one critical path, and it is mandatory.

A project network is a visual representation of a project that shows the dependencies and relationships among various tasks, activities, events, and milestones within the project. In a project network, each task is connected to one or more other tasks that need to be completed before it can start or be completed itself.

These logic and network diagrams can be used with a wide range of project management approaches. This includes waterfall, Kanban, Scrum, and extreme project management techniques (XPM).

A project network diagram is a graph that shows the sequence in which the activities of a project are to be accomplished. The terminal elements of a project are ordered progressively depending on their relationship, as derived from the work breakdown structure. It is usually drawn from left to right to show the timeline of the project.

Project managers and team members frequently utilise visual tools like project networks to stay informed about the status of projects and communicate it to everyone participating in the project. The network's terminal events reflect activities and deliverables resulting from the work breakdown structure and are organised sequentially, much like a flowchart. Gantt charts, PERT charts, and critical path management can be used to form project networks.

There are two types of project network diagrams: the Arrow Diagram Method (ADM) and the Precedence Diagram Method (PDM). An ADM and a PDM project network diagram differ primarily in how they depict tasks and milestones.

Arrow Diagram Method (ADM)

As mentioned in the name itself, "arrow diagram method", the ADM includes arrows to describe numerous actions. The simplicity of this option is part of its beauty.

• The tail of the arrow signifies the beginning of the action, while the crown indicates the end.
• Typically, the length of the arrow represents the duration of the action.
• Two boxes, called "nodes," are connected by each arrow. The nodes indicate the beginning or end of an action in a sequence. The "i-node" refers to the initial node of an activity, and the "j-node" refers to the conclusion of a sequence.
• An ADM chart can only indicate the "finish to start" (FS) relationship between nodes and activities.

Dummy tasks may also be included in the diagram to demonstrate cooperation and collaboration. Dummy tasks, on the other hand, do not reflect any real sequential action but rather serve as benchmarks or milestones that must be achieved before going on to the next activity.

Precedence Diagram Method (PDM)

PDM network diagrams are a more effective project management tool than the ADMs currently in use. Each node or box in the precedence diagram technique represents an activity, with the arrows reflecting task dependencies.

• Finish to start: One action cannot begin until another activity has been completed.
• Start to start: Two actions may begin at the same time.
• Finish to finish: Two things must be completed concurrently.
• Start to finish: This is a rare obligation that is only used when one action cannot be completed before another activity begins.

Lead timings and lag times may be noted in PDM beside the arrows. For example, if a certain task will take 30 days to complete before the next one can commence, just put "30 days" over the arrow expressing the link between the related nodes.

Constructing a network diagram requires careful preparation and planning. This diagram is an essential tool for project managers or individuals involved in every facet of a project, as it streamlines the project path and ensures early detection of problems and bottlenecks.Here are the steps to create a project network diagram:

Step 1: Define the start and end points

The first step in creating a project network diagram is to define the start and end points of the project. You need to comprehend the chronological order in which tasks must be completed.

Step 2: Identify activities

The next step is to identify the activities required to complete the project. You need to organize the tasks before starting your work. When creating your project network diagrams, you don't want to start and realize that you've forgotten to include some crucial tasks. Break the project down into its phases and determine these with a work breakdown structure.

Step 3: Create a predecessor table

A predecessor table is a clear and concise table with a column for each activity and a column for their related tasks. Keep in mind that this is a predecessor table for an arrow diagramming technique, in which the arrows stand in for activities, and the nodes for milestones.

Step 4: Draft your diagram in rough form

Start your diagram at a basic level, begin it with a pencil sketch. You can easily modify it until an effective schedule network diagram is made. Use different fonts and colors to make it easier to read and put the key in the corner of your diagram.

Step 5: Use straight arrows for directional purposes

Use arrows that go from left to right when drawing your diagram. This is how people read in the west, and the diagram must follow that pattern intuitively. You should use straight arrows for all directional purposes.

Step 6: Ensure clarity

You'll want to ensure that the network diagrams for your project are as understandable and clear as possible. In other words, don’t overcrowd the page with arrows that cross each other.

Step 7: Do not use arrow length to determine time

The length of an arrow should not be used to determine the amount of time it represents.

By following these steps, you can create a clear and effective project network diagram that helps you manage your project and ensure its successful completion.

Using a network diagram, stakeholders can see how things are progressing. To make your work easy there are a lot of tools. Some of them are mentioned below.

• Microsoft Visio
• Google Draw
• Lucidchart
• ConceptDraw Diagram
• InterMapper
• Edraw max
• Dia
• Gliffy

Advantages:

Remarkable visual presentation

Network diagram in project management provides great visualization to everyone. The project manager entangles all the stakeholders, partners and team members while designing the diagram.

Exhibits possible bottlenecks

By illustrating task dependencies, the network diagram prevents bottlenecks from occurring. It prevents by indicating any kind of delays from occurring. Delays disrupt work schedules, budgets, customer satisfaction, and morale. If the network diagram is correct, the team will understand that task A must come first. Otherwise, task B cannot begin. It allows you to plan before managing any bottlenecks.

Realistic project scheduling

When combined with a Gantt chart, a project network diagram simplifies the scheduling of tasks, staff, and resources. You can comprehend the project's overall schedule by compiling these components. The most crucial component of project planning, along with budgeting, is scheduling.

Recognize dependencies

When combined with a Gantt Chart, a project network diagram simplifies the scheduling of tasks, personnel, and resources. You can comprehend the project's overall schedule by compiling these components. The most crucial component of project planning, along with budgeting, is scheduling.

Attention to facts

The method gathers all of the tasks required to complete the project. Before beginning a project, paying close attention to the details will help you identify the activities that are on the critical path and any areas where float or the potential for task delays.

Disadvantages:

Complexness

The more complex the network diagram, the larger the project scope. The diagram may be challenging to read and comprehend, which may result in mistakes if there are an excessive number of nodes connected and arrows shooting in all directions. It takes time and money to create a project network diagram. You can probably vouch for the fact to the complexity of some projects. One of the primary functions of a project network diagram is thus defeated.

Time-consuming

It takes a lot of time to create a project diagram, and the project manager is frequently solely responsible for it. One person may be under a lot of stress as a result, and the team's knowledge and experience should be more utilized in the process. Businesses lose a lot of money as a result of the project diagram's time-consuming nature.

Over planning

A network diagram requires a lot of planning to do so. It illustrates the order of tasks, estimation, and allocation of resources. Any errors in planning may have significant consequences for the remaining portion of the strategy.

Human misconception

The accuracy of the network diagram in representing your project schedule is not guaranteed by the use of network diagram software. Naturally, mistakes can occur when creating project network diagrams or other unknowable factors can have an impact on the data gathered. This diagram must be accurate if the calculations and interdependencies shown in it determine everything. This is especially lethal if corners are cut during the diagram's creation or if it is created without current project data.