Friday, January 11, 2008

Critical Path Method in Schedule Development

Schedule development is an act of establishing start and finish dates for project activities so that a project schedules can be created.

What is Critical Path Method (CPM)?
  • CPM includes determining the longest path in the network diagram.
  • It states the earliest and latest an activitiy can start.
  • The earliest and lastest it can be completed.

What is the critical path?

  • it is the longest duration path through a network diagram.
  • it determines the shortest time to complete the project.

1 comment:

Richard said...

The critical path method is based on a very simple idea. If every task is scheduled to begin as soon as possible, as soon as all of its predecessors are complete, then the length of the project, the completion date, will be determined by the longest sequence of predecessors. This sequence is known as the critical path because the precedence relationships are commonly illustrated in a network diagram.

Any task on the critical path is called a critical task because it cannot be delayed. Any delay on a critical task delays the project completion date by the amount of the task delay.

Suggested Study Materials

  • PMP-Preparation Recommended Books
  • PMP Exam Prep, Fifth Edition: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam
  • A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Third Edition (PMBOK Guides)
  • The PMP Exam: How to Pass On Your First Try (Test Prep series)