A method and apparatus for modeling grid projects, such that their network and node resources may be readily determinable for simulation, scheduling, and control purposes. A model of a grid project is generated using a standardized grid project modeling language that sets forth a sequence of grid project phases. Within each phase, there may be any number of descriptions of parallel activities that need to be performed, such as, CPU processing, network activity, both, or even nested “sub” phases. Each of the descriptions specifies the properties of the described activities, such as the quantity of CPU required, network traffic expected, prerequisites, dependencies, activity splitting limits and characteristics, reliability actions, etc. The grid project model is parseable by the present invention to determine the various phases of a grid project and the various characteristics of each phase.