What is other name of the longest path in a project plan?
|
Each task on the Critical Path must be completed on time for the whole project to be completed on time. Show
It is only by viewing the Critical Path that you can identify the best way to shorten the duration of a project. The only way to reduce the Project plan duration is to reduce the duration of a task or tasks on the critical path - for example, by adding resources. If the project manager doesn't know the critical path they could easily spend considerable time working to reduce the duration of tasks that will not impact the project end date. The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a way to determine the critical path of a schedule. The critical path is the longest path of scheduled activities that must be met to execute a project. This is important for Program Managers (PM) to know since any problems on the critical path can prevent a project from moving forward and being delayed. Earned Value Management (EVM) analysis focuses on critical and near-critical paths to identify cost and schedule risks. Unlike the critical path, other schedule paths might have slack time to avoid delaying the entire project. There might be multiple critical paths on a project. The method is used with Program Evaluation and Review Techniques (PERT). Advertisements
Critical Path Method (CPM) GoalThe goal of the Critical Path Method (CPM) is to determine the critical path of a schedule in order to focus resources more efficiently. The method helps Program Managers (PM):
Benefits of Using the Critical Path Method (CPM)Here are a few good reasons to use the CPM method: Advertisements
Determining the Critical PathThe Critical Path is determined when analyzing a project’s schedule or network logic diagram and uses the Critical Path Method (CPM). The CPM provides a graphical view of the project, predicts the time required for the project, and shows which activities are critical to maintaining the schedule. Advertisements Critical Path Method (CPM) Development StepsThe seven (7) steps in the CPM are: [1]
The CPM calculates the longest path of planned activities to the end of the project and the earliest and latest that each activity can start and finish without making the project longer. This process determines which activities are “critical” (i.e., on the longest path) and which have “total float” (i.e., can be delayed without making the project longer). [1] Advertisements Difference Between Critical Chain Method (CCM) and Critical Path Method (CPM)There are a few differences between the Critical Chain Method (CCM) and the Critical Path Method (CPM), but they both focus on schedule development and estimation. These are:
Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a method used to examine the tasks in a schedule and determine a Critical Path Method variation (CPM). It analyzes the time required to complete each task and its associated dependencies to determine the minimum time to complete a project. It estimates the shortest possible time each activity will take, the most likely length of time, and the longest time that might be taken if the activity takes longer than expected. Advertisements Although CPM and PERT are conceptually similar, some significant differences exist mostly due to the type of projects best suited for each technique. PERT is better to use when there is much uncertainty and when control over time outweighs control over costs. PERT handles uncertainty of the time required to complete an activity by developing three estimates and then computing an expected time using the beta distribution. CPM is better suited for well-defined projects and activities with little uncertainty, where accurate time and resource estimates can be made. The percentage of completion of the activity can be determined. [1] Critical Path Method HistoryThe CPM scheduling technique was introduced at approximately the same time as PERT Analysis. It was developed by J. E. Kelly of Remington-Rand and M. R. Walker of DuPont to aid in scheduling maintenance shutdowns in chemical processing plants. Over the years, CPM has enjoyed more use than any other network scheduling technique. It is based on the concept of critical path and was designed to focus on the time and resources, particularly cost, necessary to complete a project’s activities. What is the critical path of a project?The critical path is a chain of linked tasks that directly affects the project finish date. If any task on the critical path is late, the whole project is late. The critical path is a series of tasks (or sometimes only a single task) that controls the calculated start or finish date of the project.
What is float in planning?In project management, float, sometimes also referred to as “slack,” is a number that indicates the amount of time a task can be delayed without impacting subsequent tasks or the project's overall completion. It's important to track when you are maintaining your project schedule.
|
