Effect of Independent Float on Activities in a Network Diagram

Independent float is the amount of delay that can be allowed for a particular activity without delaying the project completion time. It is the maximum amount of time that an activity can be delayed without affecting the start time of the succeeding activities. The effect of independent float on different activities in a network diagram is discussed below.

Effect on the Particular Activity Involved

The independent float affects the start time and the completion time of a particular activity. If the independent float of an activity is increased, it means that the activity can be delayed without affecting the start time of the succeeding activities. Therefore, the start time of the activity will be delayed by the amount of independent float. Similarly, if the independent float of an activity is reduced, it means that the activity cannot be delayed beyond a certain limit. Therefore, the completion time of the activity will be advanced by the amount of reduced independent float.

Effect on Preceding Activities

The independent float of an activity can affect the start time of the preceding activities. If the independent float of an activity is increased, it means that the activity can be delayed without affecting the start time of the succeeding activities. Therefore, the start time of the succeeding activities will remain the same, and the start time of the preceding activities will be delayed by the amount of independent float. Similarly, if the independent float of an activity is reduced, it means that the activity cannot be delayed beyond a certain limit. Therefore, the start time of the succeeding activities will be advanced by the amount of reduced independent float, and the start time of the preceding activities will also be advanced.

Effect on Succeeding Activities

The independent float of an activity can also affect the start time of the succeeding activities. If the independent float of an activity is increased, it means that the activity can be delayed without affecting the start time of the succeeding activities. Therefore, the start time of the succeeding activities will remain the same. Similarly, if the independent float of an activity is reduced, it means that the activity cannot be delayed beyond a certain limit. Therefore, the start time of the succeeding activities will be advanced by the amount of reduced independent float.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the independent float of an activity can affect the start time and the completion time of the particular activity as well as the start time of the preceding and the succeeding activities. Therefore, it is important to consider the independent float while preparing the network diagram and scheduling the project activities.