Question

Part B only

3. In publishing a textbook, the following simplified sequence of activities applies, as shown below: Activity Preceding Expected Completion Time (Months) | A - Write book B - Design book C-Edit manuscript D - Check editing E - Accept design F-Copy edit G-Prepare artwork H-Accept and correct artwork I-Set galleys J-Check and correct galleys K-Pull page proofs L-Check and correct pages M-Prepare index N-Set and correct index 0-Check camera-ready copy P-Print and bind book DE 2 DE 4 G 0.5 F 14 1 1 K K TM LN 1 0.5 0.5 a) Construct the (PERT/CPM) network representation for this PROJECT. (This problem may also be easier if done with paper and pencil rather than Excel.) (i) How long should the project take from start to finish? (ii) What activities are on the critical path b) If the project is well managed, it is possible to produce a book in 18 months or less without crashing any activities. This seems to contradict the findings in "a". (Please give short answers to this question.) (i) How do you think publishers get the job done so quickly? (ii) Is PERT/CPM applicable to publishing?

Answer 1

Hey!

I am assuming you have solved the a part of the question.

Answer for Part b:

There are two options available to the publisher. They are:

Fast tracking: In this technique, the critical path needs to be reviewed and

sequence of activities needs to be identified that can be carry out in parallel or nearly

parallel to others activities. The benefit of this method is that it don't cost extra to

the company but are risky as many activities are carried out at a time.

There are two path that are near to the critical path A-CD-G-H-K-L-O-and, A-C

D-F-I-J-K-L-O-P (You will get this if you have solved part a) Therefore, publisher can carry the activities of these paths

simultaneously. Therefore, in the given situation, publisher can carry activities M

and N in parallel with L to make the copy ready (0)

Crashing: The publisher can get this task done quickly if he she is allowed to

crash the activities Hence a manager can get their work done in less time or can

reduce project completion time either by speeding up the project or using

additional resources to complete

Hence, in the given situation where publisher is not allowed to crash the activity can

use Fast Tracking method to reduce the completion time of the project.

(ii) Yes PERT/CPM can be applicable to publishing. PERT and CPM is applicable to the entire

task that requires a sequential or set of activities to get complete.

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