A project scheduling methodology derived as an analogue of digital circuit technology

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach for modeling project activities and networks of project activities based on a digital circuit metaphor upon which a project scheduling tool could be built. Each activity is represented by one or more digital circuit elements where the inputs to the elements are the requirements that must be satisfied before that activity can begin. We demonstrate that our model has all the capabilities of traditional models such as PERT/CPM. We then extend our model to incorporate additional features not currently supported by most traditional models. We illustrate the use of AND, OR, NAND, NOR, and XOR gates in the creation of a project network and show how combinations of these elements can be used to represent arbitrarily complex activity requirements. Finally, we discuss how our model could be used to create an open, flexible, extendible and distributable project planning tool that supports continuous process improvement. The paper presents the model and how it was developed as an analogue of digital circuit design. Thus, it serves two audiences: those interested in the modeling process and those interested in a novel approach to project scheduling.