near-critical activity
alow total float activity.

negative total float*
time by which the duration of an activity or path has to be reduced in order to permit a limiting imposed date to be achieved.

negotiated contract cost
The estimated cost negotiated in a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract or the negotiated contract target cost in either a fixed price-incentive contract or a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract. See also contract target cost.

negotiation
the art of satisfying needs by reaching agreement or compromise with other parties.

net present value*
aggregate of future net cash flows discounted back to a common base date, usually the present.

network
a pictorial presentation of project data in which the project logic is the main determinant of the placements of the activities in the drawing. Frequently called a flowchart, PERT chart, logic drawing, or logic diagram.

network analysis*
method used for calculating a project's critical path and activity times and floats.
Note: see also critical path analysis, project network techniques.

network interface*
activity or event common to two or more network diagrams.

network logic
the collection of activity dependencies that make up a project network.

network path
a series of connected activities in a project network.

nodes*
points in a network at which arrows start and finish.

non-recurring costs
expenditures against specific tasks that are expected to occur only once on a given project.

non-splittable activity*
an activity that, once started, has to be completed to plan without interruption.
Note: resources should not be diverted from a non-splittable activity to another activity.

not earlier than
a restriction on an activity that indicates that it may not start or end earlier than a specified date.

not later than
a restriction on an activity that indicates that it may not start or end later than a specified date.