ABSTRACT
This chapter contains network analysis; the principles on which it is based; underlying assumptions; guidance on application, and relevant issues; and related models. Network analysis is a technique used for planning large projects by rigorously programming and monitoring progress. It is the organized application of systematic reasoning for planning, scheduling, controlling and resourcing the many separate simultaneous or consecutive tasks making up a project. There are two main types of network: precedence and activity-on-arrow networks. Network analysis accurately represents the real-life project to be controlled. Programming and monitoring pinpoints the 'critical' parts of the project - that is, those parts that will have a significant impact on progress if not carried out as planned. The network is usually an activity-on-arrow diagram, representing each individual activity within a project with an arrowed line. Events are represented by circles or nodes. Activities which do not lie on the critical path can, within limits, start late or take longer than specified.
