Activity networks: EST, LST, float, the critical path and Gantt charts

What this note covers

1. What is an activity network?
2. Building a network from a precedence table
3. Forward pass: calculating the Earliest Start Time (EST)
4. Backward pass: calculating the Latest Start Time (LST)
5. Float time: measuring scheduling flexibility
6. Identifying the critical path and minimum project duration
7. Dummy activities
8. Gantt charts: showing the schedule, critical path and float
9. Changing an activity’s duration: delays and crashing
10. A spreadsheet model of a precedence table
11. Exam strategy and checking your work

11 sections · 16 key terms & formulas · 8 common mistakes

Common questions