1. Is it possible to eliminate all risks for a project? If risks cannot be eliminated what is the purpose of risk management?

2. Consider the following Work Breakdown Structure for a setting up a new network :

Task#1 Wire the campus. Duration: 10 days Predecessor Tasks: None

Task#2 Test connectivity of campus wiring Duration: 5 days Predecessor Tasks: Task#1

Task#3 Shipment of Routers and Switches Duration: 2 days Predecessor Tasks: None

Task#4 Configuration of Routers and Switches Duration: 1 day Predecessor Tasks: #3

Task#5 Final testing of network configuration Duration: 10 days Predecessor Tasks: #4 and #2

Task#6 Training of client IT staff Duration: 15 days Predecessor Tasks: None

*Assume that all tasks with no predecessors can be done co-currently with other tasks.

a) What is the Critical Path for the above project and what is the minimum length of time it will take to complete?

b) Suppose that training of client IT staff is delayed 10 days -how long will be the delay of the overall project? Explain your reasoning why in terms of impact to the Critical Path.

c) Suppose that the wiring of the campus is delayed 10 days -how long will be the delay of the overall project? Explain your reasoning why in terms of impact to the Critical Path.

d) Suppose the final testing of network configuration is completed 3 days early -how much earlier can the overall project be completed?Explain your reasoning why in terms of impact to the Critical Path.

3. You have accepted a new position managing IT projects at a college on a hill surrounded by trees and hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Upper management has given you the task of completing all IT projects at the college faster, cheaper, and with higher quality results -all at the same time. What might your response be to upper management regarding the practicality of their request (using concepts learned in this chapter) ?

4. What are Gantt charts used for? What are PERT/CPM charts used for?