A project network is a graph (flow chart) depicting the sequence in which a project's terminal elements are to be completed by showing terminal elements and their dependencies.
The work breakdown structure or the product breakdown structure show the "part-whole" relations. In contrast, the project network shows the "before-after" relations.
The most popular form of project network is activity on node, the other one is activity on arrow.
The condition for a valid project network is that it doesn't contain any circular references.
Project dependencies can also be depicted by a predecessor table. Although such a form is very inconvenient for human analysis, project management software often offers such a view for data entry.
An alternative way of showing and analyzing the sequence of project work is the design structure matrix.
Famous quotes containing the words project and/or network:
“She cannot love,
Nor take no shape nor project of affection,
She is so self-endeared.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Of what use, however, is a general certainty that an insect will not walk with his head hindmost, when what you need to know is the play of inward stimulus that sends him hither and thither in a network of possible paths?”
—George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)