Project Milestone: Determining a Project’s Critical Path
In Module 3, you created a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for your course project. The WBS is one tool that is used in most projects. In this activity, you will determine the
critical path
for your course project by selecting one of three offered approaches:
critical path
critical chain
network diagram
Using that assignment and any feedback from your instructor, create a critical path for your project. You may create a critical path, utilize a critical chain, or complete a project network, as each of these items provide a complimenting view of the project in process.
You are not required to create a Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart, but include the steps you would take if you were to create a PERT chart. What information would you need in addition to the data used to construct the critical path?
What issues are evident in your critical path? What steps can you take to avoid failure along your critical path? What additional information would a PERT chart provide as you make decisions about your project?
Create your critical path or critical chain or project network as a Word document.
You may use the shapes in Word, construct the image in Microsoft Visio and insert it into Word, or create it in Microsoft Project and insert it in Word. The important thing is that the submission is part of a Word document so your instructor can open and grade the work.
Properly label all aspects of your critical path and label the paper with your name and assignment particulars. Within the Word document, answer the questions above with enough specifics and details to relay your understanding. Your paper should be between 3–5 pages depending on the size of your chart.
Write a 2–5 page paper with the required chart(s) in Word format. You may use Microsoft Visio or another tool to create the chart, but it must be pasted or embedded in a Word document for submission. Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style (most current edition) for writing your assignment.
Compose your work using a word processor (or other software as appropriate) and save it frequently to your computer. Be sure to check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors before you upload it. When you are ready to submit your work, click “Browse My Computer” and find your file. Once you have located your file, click “Open” and, if successful, the file name will appear under the Attached files heading. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Submit.”
Evaluation Criteria
This assignment will be graded using the rubric displayed below. Please review this rubric prior to beginning your work. You can also access the rubric on the Course
Rubric
s page within the Start Here module. The term project assignments make up 20% of the total course grade.
Rubric
M4A1
M4A1
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Criteria |
Ratings |
Pts |
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30 pts |
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10 pts |
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Total Points: 100 |
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30 pts
Exemplary The steps to creating a PERT chart is included and is complete. Issues are fully identified and explained. Steps for avoiding failure along the critical path are included and provide appropriate details. |
24 pts Satisfactory The steps to creating a PERT chart are included and does have most of the necessary information including the issues identified and the steps to avoid failure along the critical path. |
18 pts Minimally Responsive The steps to creating a PERT chart are included but it is incomplete as it lacks issues identified and steps to avoid failure along the critical path. |
0 pts Unacceptable The necessary steps for creation of a PERT chart are not included in the submission. |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Critical Analysis of Critical Path |
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30 pts
Exemplary Information about the project’s critical path is described in detail, including the name, dates, objectives, deliverables, and milestones. Supporting details and evidences to justify the claims for additional information needed to make decisions about the project are relevant, accurate, and specific to the claims. |
24 pts
Satisfactory Information about the project’s critical path is generally described, including the name, dates, objectives, deliverables, and milestones. Information provided is relevant and important in building the critical path, though more details are needed to fill in gaps. Claims for additional information needed to make decisions about the project are generally supported with evidence and reasons, with minor details missing. |
18 pts
Minimally Responsive Information about the project’s critical path is briefly described, with important details vague or missing. More information is needed on the name, dates, objectives, deliverables, and milestones to appropriately detail the critical path. Minimal to no evidence is provided to support the claims for additional information. |
0 pts
Unacceptable A Critical Path is submitted but necessary sections are hardly described, if at all. Claims for more information are not discussed, or if they are, they are vague, inappropriate, and inaccurate. |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Organization and Structure of the Critical Path Illustrations, Diagrams, or Charts |
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30 pts
Exemplary The critical path is complete, (i.e., all sections are present) well organized, concise, and clear. The diagram is appropriate and most effective at conveying meaning. Only important and necessary information is included, and is presented in an interesting and creative way, that is easy to follow and interpret. |
24 pts
Satisfactory The critical path is complete. The diagram is appropriate and conveys meaning. Only important and necessary information is included, and is presented in an easy to follow and interpret way. |
18 pts
Minimally Responsive The critical path has a general structure. However, the organization and clarity are lacking, or some sections are missing. Only important and necessary information is included, but is presented in ways that lack clarity. Reorganization of information may make it easier to follow and interpret. |
0 pts
Unacceptable The critical path is incomplete with major sections missing. The diagram is confusing and overwhelming. |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Writing Quality |
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10 pts Exemplary The writing is well organized and clear; there are minimal problems with spelling, punctuation, and grammar; dollar signs are used to denote monetary values and dates are formatted consistently throughout. |
8 pts Satisfactory There are few problems with organization, clarity or conventions that should have been fixed. Minor errors are found (i.e., dollar signs or the data format may not always be consistently used). These problems and errors, however, are not serious enough to distract the reader. |
6 pts Minimally Responsive Numerous mechanical errors are distracting; and organization of ideas are lacking, but not enough to interfere with meaning. The use of dollar signs and date formats are inconsistently used throughout. |
0 pts
Unacceptable Frequent problems with organization, clarity and/or conventions make the paper hard to read. This is little to no use of dollar signs or the date format, where appropriate. |
