When drawing a directed network from an activity table, what should the first and last vertices be labeled?

In a directed network, the labeling of vertices is critical for clearly indicating the flow of activities. The first vertex typically represents the initiation of the process, while the last vertex symbolizes its conclusion. The terms "Start" and "Finish" effectively communicate these roles, as they are commonly understood and concisely convey the idea of where the activity begins and where it culminates.

Using labels such as "Start" for the first vertex and "Finish" for the last vertex helps maintain consistency with standard terminology used in project management and flowcharting. This labeling not only aids in clarity but also enhances the understanding of the network's structure, making it easier for others to interpret the diagram.

Other potential labels, while descriptive, may not be as universally recognized or may introduce unnecessary complexity. For instance, "Begin" and "End" are synonymous but less commonly used in this context. Similarly, terms like "Initiate" and "Conclude" are more formal and could lead to confusion if not consistent with the rest of the terminology used in the activity table or network diagram. Thus, "Start" and "Finish" stand out as the most appropriate labels for representing the first and last vertices in a directed network.