Adding every task duration can overestimate a project when independent tasks may run in parallel. Assuming everything can overlap can underestimate it. A timeline needs dependencies and realistic resource conditions.
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Write the dependency structure
In a fictional project, A takes two days. After A, B takes three days and C takes one day; assume different available students can do B and C simultaneously. D takes two days and must wait for both.
The earliest completion is 2 + max(3,1) + 2 = 7 days under these assumptions.
Identify the controlling chain
The A-B-D chain lasts seven days and determines completion. C finishes earlier than B, so making C faster does not shorten the earliest overall finish in this example.
Adding 2 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 8 would describe a fully sequential schedule. That may become necessary if the same person must perform B and C, but it is a different resource assumption.
Treat estimates as estimates
Permissions, review time, school commitments and uncertainty may require buffers. A mathematical earliest finish is not a promise that an actual team will complete on that date.
This original example teaches general project reasoning, not an official CBPA submission format. Students should agree on their own deliverables and responsibilities and consult current organiser and school requirements.
Continue reading: CBPA Business Projects: Build a Sales Forecast You Can Explain.
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Official information and further reading: Source 1
