Remark

For Surveying methods and techniques refer to : Observation.

Inventorying  (^)

Definition

Inventorying is making a detailed list of means, modes and ends of Action.

Function

Inventorying assists in highlighting the requirements arising from matching different lists, for instance:

Remark

For Inventorying methods and techniques refer to:

Documentation (devices) and Clarification (check-list).

Budgeting  (^)

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• Cost - Benefit Analysis

• Balance Sheet

Budgeting  (^)

Definition

Budgeting is allocating means and modes of action to ends.

Steps

Budgeting requires one to:

• list different desirable ends of action

• list different suitable means and modes of action

• select the mix means-modes-ends that presents the most satisfactory relation between means-modes employed and ends achieved

  
  

In order to do so, ends, means and modes have to be made measurable for conducting comparisons leading to selections.

This can be performed through:

• Cost - Benefit Analysis

• Balance Sheet

  
  

Cost - Benefit Analysis  (^)

Definition

Cost - Benefit Analysis is a way of assigning numerals to variables (means, modes and ends of action) in a form conducive to satisfactory budgeting allocations.

Classification

Costs and Benefits can be:

• current (e.g. flow of raw materials)

• fixed (e.g. machinery and tools)

• objectively measurable (quantifiable by commonly accepted yardsticks)

• subjectively measurable (quantifiable by specifically accepted yardsticks)

  
  

Steps

• List variables involved (means, modes, ends)

• Measure variables (e.g. weight, price, gauge, score, etc.)

    Note: Variables can be objectively or subjectively measured

• Rank variables

• Select the most appropriate set of variables (i.e. that set having the lowest cost and providing the highest benefit)

  
  

Balance Sheet  (^)

Definition

A Balance Sheet is a budgeting table in which all the variables have been reduced to some homogeneous quantitative format, generally monetary format.

Remark

An electronic Balance Sheet (or Spreadsheet) allows for all sorts of modifications of variables to be immediately reflected in related variables and so is a powerful tool for Simulating options in Budgeting.

Scheduling  (^)

• Gantt Chart

• Critical Path Analysis

Scheduling  (^)

Definition

Scheduling is the attributing of time to tasks and the sequencing of tasks in order to reach targets. Scheduling gives some control over the execution of work by providing indispensable information about the starting and finishing time of each single task.

Steps

• Divide the work into tasks

• Assign to each task a time duration (start - completion period)

    Note: The assignment of time duration can come as result of:

           - reliable estimates

           - accurate observations

• Coordinate the various tasks in a temporal sequence (schedule)

     - some tasks need to be performed in advance of others

     - some task can be performed in conjunction with others

  
  

Gantt Chart  (^)

Definition

A Gantt Chart is a time visualization of separate tasks and of the time required for completion of each one.

The visualization is performed with the use of lines of different length representing periods of time in relation to different tasks.

Critical Path Analysis  (^)

Definition

Critical Path Analysis is a visualization of the length of the path to be completed in order to reach some target.

Steps

• List the tasks necessary to reach a target

• Assign a duration time for each task

  
  

Remark: if necessary give different duration options (e.g. optimistic, realistic, pessimistic) and produce various critical paths accordingly

• Sequence the tasks as appropriate

• Find out the critical path

  
  

The Critical Path is the path needed to perform all the interrelated tasks that are necessary to reach a target. It expresses the required duration of a work.

Preparing  (^)

Definition

Preparing is arranging the right conditions for Performing.

Function

Preparing is concerned with:

Performing  (^)

Definition

Performing is carrying out operations according to a method.

Requirements

Operations should be carried out:

Remark

These requirements can be met as a result of arrangements in Preparing, concerning:

• People : e.g. good psychophysical condition; development of skill

• Tools : e.g. easy to handle, simple to operate

• Space : e.g. healthy, comfortable

• Time : e.g. appropriate rhythm, pauses

Actuation : summing up  (^)

Actuation is the implementation of Decisions in the form of Actions and is concerned with:

with reference to people and tools in space and time.

Actuation is guided by a continuous Evaluation.