Description
Discussion 1
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 14: Managing Projects, and The Comprehensive Guide to Resource Capacity PlanningLinks to an external site..
At the end of Chapter 14, complete Discussion Question 3: What are the main advantages of using a network-based approach to project management rather than a Gantt chart? Under what circumstances might a Gantt chart be preferable to a network-based approach?
Discussion 2
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 3: Process Choice and Layout Decisions in Manufacturing and Services, and Chapter 6: Managing Capacity, paying close attention to Sections 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3, reviewing the concepts of capacity, three common capacity strategies, methods of evaluating capacity alternatives, and decision trees.
Example 6.3 will provide you with two examples of decision trees (Figures 6.4 and 6.5). Next, at the end of Chapter 6, consider the two capacity options for Arktec manufacturing from Problem 2 and the three possible demand scenarios from Problem 4. First, draw the decision tree for Arktec Manufacturing. When drawing your tree, assume that managers must select a capacity option before they know what the demand level will actually be. Then, calculate the expected value for each decision branch. Which option would you prefer and why?