The data in Figure 15.5 for the Gantt chart uses the earliest start times for all activities. These could actually be anywhere between the earliest and latest start times without affecting the project completion time. Enter formulas in the start time cells (column B of Figure 15.5) using Excel’s RAND function, which allows these start times to be anywhere between the earliest and latest start times. Then go to the Gantt chart sheet and press the F9 key a few times. The bars for the noncritical activities should slide to the left or right in their allowable ranges, but the project completion time shouldn’t change.

Skill-Extending Problems