Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani

Distance Learning Programmes Division

Second Semester 2008-2009
Comprehensive Examination (EC-2 Regular)

Course No. : HHSM ZG519

Course Title : PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Nature of Exam : Open Book
Weightage : 60% No. of Pages =2
Duration : 3 Hours No. of Questions = 5
Date of Exam : 04/04/2009 (AN)
Note:
1. Please follow all the Instructions to Candidates given on the cover page of the answer book.
2. All parts of a question should be answered consecutively. Each answer should start from a fresh page.
3. Mobile phones and computers of any kind should not be used inside the examination hall.
4. Use of any unfair means will result in severe disciplinary action.

Q.1 A project consists of 8 activities, lettered A through H. below. For each activity, the
preceding activity is given, and a probabilistic estimate of the time required to complete it.
Times are in days.
Preceding Optimistic Most Likely Pessimistic
Activity Activity Time Time Time
A -- 2 days 4 days 6 days
B A 3 6 9
C A 2 5 11
D -- 2 10 12
E C, 4 8 15
F B,E 2 4 12
G D 3 4 11
H F,G 1 1 1
1.1. Draw an AOA network for the project.
1.2. What is the critical path?
1.3. Draw an AON network for the project. [4 x 3 =12]

Q.2 For the project in Q.1, Activity D was delayed three days by an earthquake in the area.
After the earthquake, management faced the problem of how to make up the lost time, and
how much it would cost. Estimates of crash times and costs for each activity are given
below.

Activity Crash Time Cost per Day

A Not possible -
B 3 days $200 per day
C not possible -
D not possible* -
E 5 days $300 per day
F 2 days $500 per day
G not possible -
H not possible -
*(because of the earthquake)
2.1. Which activity should be crashed?
2.2. How many days should it be crashed?
2.3. How much will it cost? [4 x 3 =12]

HHSM ZG519 (EC-2 Regular) Page 1 of 2

HHSM ZG519 (EC-2 Regular) Second Semester 2008-2009 Page 2

Q.3 Refer to the project in Q1 and the original critical path before the earthquake.
3.1. What is the probability of finishing the project within 22 days?
3.2. What is the probability that the project will take longer than 28 days? [6 x 2 = 12]

Q.4 You are required to deliver a one hour lecture to the newly appointed trainees in
the Projects Deptt. of your company on Market Forecasting Techniques.
Prepare a comprehensive lecture giving a number of suitable examples. [12]

Q.5 A project consists of 11 activities, lettered A through K, below. For each activity, the
preceding activity is given, and a deterministic estimate of the length of time required to
complete it in weeks.

Preceding Preceding
Activity Time Activity Activity Time Activity
A 1 week - G 4 weeks E
B 3 A H 6 F
C 2 A I 2 G
D 4 C J 1 H,I
E 2 - K 1 B,D,J
F 3 E

Use the time estimates and the network for solving this problem. Today is Monday, May
1, and work on the project is just beginning. The project is scheduled to be finished on
Friday, August 11. Use this information to calculate the ES, EF, LS, and LF. Calculate
the slack for each activity. [12]

____________

HHSM ZG519 (EC-2 Regular) Page 2 of 2