CAIE A-Level Business 9.3.5 Operations planning
Practise using network diagrams and CPA to calculate float, project duration and judge planning decisions from operations data.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Business 9609
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- complete network diagram nodes using EST and LFT from activity data
- calculate total float or minimum project duration from a critical path diagram
- evaluate CPA as an operations planning tool, including its limits for managers
9.3.5—Operations planning question 1
[Maximum number: 16]
Refer to Table 1.1 and Fig. 1.1.
Question (a)
(a)
Calculate the minimum project duration.
[ 1 ]
Refer to Table 1.1 and Fig. 1.1. Calculate the minimum project duration.
Responses may include:
CP = 13 (weeks) (1)
Question (b)
(b)
Calculate the total float for activity D.
[ 3 ]
Refer to Table 1.1 and Fig. 1.1. Calculate the total float for activity D.
Responses may include:
Total float activity is time an activity can be delayed without delaying overall project duration.
LFT - duration - EST (1)
10-1 - 4 (2)
Total Float =5 (weeks) (3)
Accept all valid responses.
Question (c)
(c)
Evaluate whether critical path analysis (CPA) will ensure CP achieves its objective of minimising interruption to production.
[ 12 ]
3
AO1 Knowledge and understanding 2 marks
AO2 Application 2 marks
AO3 Analysis 2 marks
AO4 Evaluation 6 marks
5-6 marks
Developed evaluation in context
- A developed judgement/conclusion is made in the business context.
- Developed evaluative comments which balance some key arguments in the business context.
2
2 marks
Developed knowledge of relevant key term(s) and/or factor(s) is used to answer the question.
2 marks
Developed application of relevant point(s) to the business context.
2 marks
Developed analysis that identifies
connections between
causes, impacts and/or
consequences.
3-4 marks
Developed evaluation
- A developed judgement/conclusion is made.
- Developed evaluative comments which balance some key arguments.
1
1 mark
Limited knowledge of relevant key term(s) and/or factor(s) is used to answer the question.
1 mark
Limited application of relevant point(s) to the business context.
1 mark
Limited analysis that identifies
connections between
causes, impacts and/or
consequences.
1-2 marks
Limited evaluation
- A judgement/conclusion is made with limited supporting comment/evidence.
- An attempt is made to balance the arguments.
0
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
0 marks
No creditable response.
3(c)
Indicative content
Responses may include:
AO1 Knowledge and understanding
Limited knowledge K will be demonstrated through knowledge of critical path analysis (CPA) or benefits of CPA
Developed knowledge K+K+ will be demonstrated through knowledge of critical path analysis (CPA) and benefits/limitations of CPA
- Understanding of CPA - network diagram, critical path, floats, minimum duration.
- Benefits of CPA: knowing minimum project time, start times for activities, progress monitoring, assessing significance of delays and if necessary, corrective actions.
- Limitations of CPA: analysis only as good as input data, planning costs, does not ensure effective management.
AO2 Application
Limited application, △APP applies knowledge to CP once.
Developed application, APP +APP applies knowledge to CP twice.
Max one APP for application for the first impact of technological change and max one APP for application for the second impact of technological change.
- Importance of continuous supply to retailers.
- Contractor produced CPA.
- Contract based on accuracy and reliability of CPA.
3(c)
AO3 Analysis
Limited analysis AN - candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.
Developed analysis L2|AN - candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis OR offers a two-sided analysis.
- Development of knowledge and application points about usefulness of CPA to CP.
- CPA is quantitative as it allocates timings to activities, so can help with planning and monitoring to ensure project does not over-run. AN
- Contractor may have produced CPA and contract terms in order to get the contract. This may mean contract takes longer AN, which will lead to delays and dissatisfied customers. L2 AN
- CPA enables CP to determine non-production time and prepare, by building up inventory, before work starts. This will enable sales to proceed as normal AN and avoid potential of unmet orders and decreased sales and profit. L2 AN
- Enables monitoring critical activities, such as E (delivery of components) and allows CP to take action if a delay is threatened to ensure project is completed on time AN, minimising production interruptions.
AO4 Evaluation
Limited evaluation EvAL - limited supported judgement and/or a weak attempt at evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation L2 EvaL - supported judgement and/or reasonable evaluative comment.
Developed evaluation in context L3 EvAL - supported judgement in context and/or reasonable evaluative comment in context.
- Either conclusion is valid, as long as it is justified.
- CP has contract provision that CPA for the external use paint production line is accurate and reliable so more likely that it is, as the contractor will not want to pay penalty fees.
- CP experienced in paint production, rather than production line installation, so not likely to know accuracy of CPA.
- An accurate CPA will be very important for enabling continuous supply of external paints, so customers are not disappointed.
- CPA only as good as data and the skills of the person who prepared it. Some question about its accuracy so CP wise not to rely solely on its results, especially as the price is low and the contractor produced it.
- Other information is also important, such as staff training. The CPA does not allow for this.
- Work progress has to match the CPA plan, so CP would be wise to maintain constant check on progress before and after work starts.
Accept all valid responses.
All question bank results loaded