Critical Path Networks | Edexcel A Level

[Maximum number: 20]

Extract F Coca-Cola is giving one of its most popular drinks a makeover Coca-Cola is changing the recipe for its Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in an effort to make the drink taste more like regular Coke. The Coca-Cola Zero Sugar aluminium can will also look different - all red rather than the present red and black can. The move comes as Coca-Cola focuses its resources on its trademark products, including Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke after stopping production of some struggling brands. The company hopes the updated version of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar will attract more consumers. The new version of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is estimated to replace the current one in the US and Canada in September 2021.

Extract G Proposed schedule and network for the redevelopment of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar

Table for Question 3.3.3.4b - Critical path networks question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Business A2

Figure for Question 3.3.3.4b - Critical path networks question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Business A2

Indicative content guidance
Answers must be credited by using the level descriptors (below) in line with the
general marking guidance. The indicative content below exemplifies some of
the points that candidates may make but this does not imply that any of these
must be included. Other relevant points must also be credited.
Quantitative skills assessed:
QS3: Construct and interpret a range of standard graphical forms
QS8: Use and interpret quantitative and non-quantitative information in order
to make decisions
QS9: Interpret, apply and analyse information in written graphical and
numerical forms
Knowledge, Application, Analysis, Evaluation - indicative content
- Critical path analysis (CPA) identifies the most efficient sequence of
activities that need to be completed within a strict time-frame
- This project needs to be completed within a short time frame if Coca-
Cola is going to be able to launch its redeveloped recipe for Coca-Cola
Zero Sugar in the US and Canada by September 2021
- By carrying out CPA, Coca-Cola can see that the project will need 32
weeks to complete all the activities in the redevelopment project
- By knowing this, it can help Coca-Cola to reduce the risk and costs of
the redevelopment by encouraging careful assessment of the
requirements of each activity in a project
- CPA helps to spot which activities have some slack/float and could
therefore transfer some resources so that there is a better allocation
of resources for the launch of the new recipe
- For example, Activity C has a float of 4 weeks (16-8-4 = 4 weeks) which
means designing the new drinks can could be delayed without making
the overall project longer
- CPA is a decision-making tool and a planning tool and can provide
Coca-Cola managers with a useful overview of the redevelopment
- However, the quality of the network will depend on the accuracy of the
data entered into it
- For example, Activity E (designing final recipe) may take longer than
the projected 4 weeks so would delay the whole project as this lies on
the critical path
- This could mean that all subsequent activities will be delayed and the
redevelopment will take longer than the projected 32 weeks
- This is the first time Coca-Cola have redesigned Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
so it might be very difficult to make accurate predictions about the
length of each activity

- CPA does not guarantee the success of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, only the
time taken to redevelop the drink
- Each activity might have to be broken down into mini-projects and this
adds to the complexity of it
- CPA relies on the skills of the person constructing the critical path
network
CPA is a management and decision-making tool that must be used in
conjunction with other decision-making tools to increase its
effectiveness

Completed CPA network:

Figure for Answer to Question 3.3.3.4b - Critical path networks question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Business A2

Level

Mark

Descriptor

0

No rewardable material.

Level 1

1-4

Isolated elements of knowledge and understanding.

Weak or no relevant application of business examples.

An argument may be attempted, but will be generic and fail to connect causes and/or consequences.

Level 2

5-8

Elements of knowledge and understanding, which are applied to the business example.

Arguments and chains of reasoning are presented but connections between causes and/or consequences are incomplete. Attempts to address the question.

A comparison or judgement may be attempted but it will not successfully show an awareness of the key features of business behaviour or business situation.

Level 3

9-14

Accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding, supported throughout by relevant and effective use of the business behaviour/context.

Uses developed chains of reasoning, so that causes and/or consequences are complete, showing an understanding of the question.

Arguments are well developed.

Quantitative and/or qualitative information is introduced in an attempt to support judgments, a partial awareness of the validity and/or significance of competing arguments and may lead to a conclusion.

Level 4

15-20

Accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding, supported throughout by relevant and effective use of the business behaviour/context.

Uses well-developed and logical, coherent chains of reasoning, showing a range of cause and/or effect(s).

Arguments are fully developed.

Quantitative and/or qualitative information is/are used well to support judgements. A full awareness of the validity and significance of competing arguments/factors, leading to balanced comparisons, judgements and an effective conclusion that proposes a solution and/or recommendations.

Question
Number

Evaluate the importance of financial rewards to recruit and retain employees for a business such as Levi's. (20)

Answer

3.3.3.4b - Critical path networks question 1