- 27 Mar, 2021
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- 3 Mins Read
The Alpha Beta Gamma Record
Evan Anderson is the managing editor of the monthly magazine for the collegiate members of Alpha
Beta Gamma National Fraternity. The Alpha Beta Gamma Record is a 16-page, two-color magazine
with a circulation of 2,400.
There are two large phases of publishing the magazine. The first phase encompasses those tasks
which the editor, Evan, performs himself. Evan is responsible for all facets of the magazine’s
production, from conception to preparation for the printer. His tasks and each task’s predecessor(s)
are delineated in Table 1. Data from the magazine’s files show the longest, most likely, and shortest
time for each job; these are also presented in Table 1. Evan believes these are reasonable estimates
of the maximum, most probable, and minimum times that would be encountered.
TABLE 1 Evan’s tasks
Time (days)
Activity Predecessor(s) Description Longest Most
Likely Shortest
A —
Greek happenings and
correspondence 3 2 1
B —
Conceptualizing the current
issue 5 1.5 1
C A
Applying happenings to
current issue 1.5 1 0.5
D C, B Research or resource review 2.5 0.75 0.5
E C, B Interview with national officer 2 2 2
F C, B Photograph subjects 1 1 1
G E Photograph interviewee 2 2 2
H F, G Developing photographs 1.25 1 0.75
I H Printing photographs 6 2.5 2
J E
Interview notes converted
into copy (text) 5 3 1
K D
Research notes converted into
copy
2 2 2
L K, J Copy rewrite, corrections, and
accurate typing 3 2 1
M L Copy submitted for review 2 2 2
N M Correction of reviewed copy 1 1 1
O N Copy folder compiled 0.5 0.5 0.5
P I Photo folder compiled 0.5 0.5 0.5
Q O, P Thumbnail layout sketch 1.5 1 0.5
R Q
Submission of photos for
galleys* 0 0 0
S O, P Manuscript to printer 1 1 1
*Galleys are typeset columns of submitted manuscript copy that is camera ready.
The second phase includes those activities that the printer performs. The editor, of course, checks the
printer’s work for accuracy, but the primary responsibility for the completion of these tasks falls on the
printer.
For the past few months, Evan has been faced with delays in completing the final product. Despite his
efforts to produce a quality magazine at peak efficiencies, the delays recurred. These repeated delays
naturally cause delays in mailing the subscriptions. Since the Alpha Beta Gamma Record is the only
source of information on upcoming regional events for collegiate members, it is important that the
publication be released on time so that the members have ample time to register for these functions.
Most of these regional activities are not parties. Although they are designed to be enjoyable, the
national organization has long emphasized the development of individual qualities, such as leadership,
over partying. Since many Alpha Beta Gamma alumni attend these functions, the collegians like to
attend in order to make contacts with people with whom they might seek employment in a few years.
Therefore, it is crucial that the issues be completed on time.
Since he cannot control the operations of his present printer, Thrift Print, Evan decided to investigate
the possibility of changing printers in order to meet his deadlines for the magazine. He found another
printer, Kwik Print, for a comparable price. The description of the second phase’s activities, each
activity’s predecessors, and the most likely times for their completions for the respective printers is
found in Table 2. Experience with Thrift Print and talks with Kwik Print have led Evan to believe that
these times will have little variation around these values.
TABLE 2 Printer’s tasks
Activity Predecessor(s) Description Thrift Print Time Kwik Print
T S Galleys typeset 3 5
U T Galleys to editor and corrected 1 1
V U Galleys returned to printer 1 1
W R, V Pasteup 31 3
X W Pages* to editor for correction 1 0.5
Y X Pages to printer 1 1
Z Y Blueline** sent to editor 4 1
AA Z Blueline returned to printer 1 1
BB AA Customer copies 4 3
*Pages are photocopies of’ the galleys pasted up into magazine format. They do not include
photographs.
**Blueline is a one-color final product that includes photographs ready for final review. This is the last
opportunity to make corrections before the final printing.
1. Draw a PERT diagram of the production of the magazine from conception to completion.
2. Production begins 35 days before the magazine’s mailing deadline. What fraction of the issues
will be sent out on time if no change in printers is made?
3. What fraction will be sent out on time if Kwik Print replaces Thrift Print?
4. Evan has just learned that the owner of Thrift Print is an alumnus of Alpha Beta Gamma. What
should he do in light of this fact?