ABSTRACT
This chapter presents that the diagnostic techniques useful for having a better handle on predicting project durations. After obtaining the estimate of the duration for each activity, the network analysis is carried out in the same manner as critical path method analysis. Program evaluation review technique incorporates variability in activity durations into project duration analysis and diagnostics. Computer simulation is a tool that can be effectively utilized to enhance project planning, scheduling, and control. The information provided by simulation can be very helpful in project selection decisions also. Schedule simulation is the most obvious avenue for the application of simulation to project analysis. Commonly used activity time distributions are beta, normal, uniform, and triangular distributions. The resource allocation process takes into account both the resource requirements and the variability in activity times. Resource allocation is a major area where simulation-based what-if analysis can be useful.
