Teaching of Critical Path Networks Using Software Packages

The aim of this paper is to review a published paper, ‘Using computer software packages to enhance the teaching of Engineering Management Science: Part 1 –Critical path networks’. Excel in Microsoft Office 2007 was discovered to be able to solve critical path network problems with some programming. The capabilities of the two previously evaluated packages, Microsoft Project 2007 and Quantitative Methods – Production and Operations Management (POM-QM) for Windows 3 were cited and Excel usage is explained for each of the objective of the module, critical path networks. A pseudo quantity scoring system was developed to evaluate the capabilities of the software packages in meeting the 5 objectives of the module. It was found that POM-QM for Windows 3 scored the highest points. However, Excel in MS can be argued to provide the best learning outcomes as it endeavours students to understand the concepts of critical path networks clearly before they can program and solve the problems.