Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Business
Lesson Topic: the main elements of a network diagram: activities, dummy activities and nodes
Learning Objective/s:
  • Identify and describe activities, dummy activities, and nodes in a network diagram.
  • Explain how each element contributes to determining the critical path.
  • Apply the steps to construct a simple network diagram and calculate earliest and latest times.
  • Interpret dummy activities to maintain logical precedence without affecting project duration.
  • Evaluate the role of nodes in project scheduling and resource allocation.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheet with network‑diagram exercises
  • Laptop with spreadsheet/CPA software
  • Example project brief for pair work
  • Sticky notes for quick diagramming
 Introduction:
Begin with a brief video clip showing a real‑world construction project delay caused by poor scheduling. Ask students what information they would need to avoid such delays, linking to prior knowledge of Gantt charts. Explain that today they will learn the building blocks of a network diagram and how these help pinpoint the critical path – the success criteria for the lesson.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on project‑scheduling terminology (critical path, duration, predecessor).
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define network diagram, activities, dummy activities, and nodes with visual examples.
  3. Guided modelling (15'): Teacher draws a simple three‑activity diagram on the whiteboard, highlighting each element.
  4. Paired activity (15'): Students use the worksheet to create their own diagram from the provided brief, identify dummy activities, and calculate earliest/latest times.
  5. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups share diagrams; teacher checks understanding of dummy arrows and node calculations.
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one key difference between a real activity and a dummy activity.
Conclusion:
Recap the three core elements and their purpose in revealing the critical path. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and remind students to complete the optional online quiz for homework, reinforcing the construction of network diagrams.