Blue Zuma

1. Explain the Blue Zuma Priority Matrix.

Priority Matrix is a tool that allows projects to be sort or ordered in a prioritised matter, it allows the task/s that have a priority to be completed first. In the Blue Zuma Priority Matrix, the duration of the task, the end date and start date help to understand witch projects have a priority and the ones that do not have a priority. For example, the tasks that start first like the ‘prepare questionnaire’, has priority because it starts on the 02/01/08, while for example ‘survey sample’ starts on the 09/01/08.

2. When is the project estimated to be completed?  How long will the project take?

The project is estimated to be completed on the 19/12/08/, and the project will take 250 days.

3. Explain what a predecessor task is.

A predecessor task is a task that helps to establish the sequence in which tasks are done, the predecessor is the task that comes first, the task that comes after is called ‘successor’. The number in the predecessor column indicates the line number of the task of the predecessor. A task can be used more than once as predecessor. Predecessors are entered for both tasks and milestones.

4. Task 1.12 has predecessors with lags. Explain what lags are using this project as an example.

The time that is allowed to pass between tasks. The ‘Order Components’ task has a 20-day lag time, while ‘Order Product Equipment’ task has a 40-day lag.

5. Explain what the critical path of a project is. What is the critical path for this project?

A critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project plan which must be completed for the entire project to be completed. This is the minimum amount of time needed for the completion of the task.

‘Market Analysis’ is a critical path and the longest sequence of activities in the Blue Zuma Project, ‘Product Design’ is also a critical path, ‘Product Design Selection’, ‘Detailed Product Design’, ‘Test Prototype’, ‘Finalized Product...