Final answer:
The earliest start time of activities following a node is equal to the largest of the earliest finish times for all activities entering the node.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is b. have an earliest start time equal to the largest of the earliest finish times for all activities entering the node. This is known as the earliest start time rule in project management, where the earliest start time of an activity is determined by the largest of the earliest finish times of all activities that precede it. This rule ensures that activities following a node can begin as soon as any preceding activity has been completed. For example, if Activity A has an earliest finish time of 5 and Activity B has an earliest finish time of 6, then any activity following these two can begin at the earliest start time of 6. Other options, a. and c., are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between activities and their earliest start times.