Mastering Critical Path Method: Steps, Benefits, and Drawbacks

The CPM, or critical path method, is an algorithm for network analysis that aids in the planning and control of routine projects. It is typically employed for intricate assignments where the anticipated time frame and necessary resources are already established.

Meaning 

The critical path method is a process planning technique designed to prevent project delays and ensure timely completion. This approach is most effective for complex projects involving multiple activities.

The critical path method has found applications in a diverse range of industries, including missile-defense construction projects, aerospace engineering, product development, and software and hardware product research and development.

4 Functions of the critical path method

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Additionally, the critical path method helps to determine the duration of the project and the earliest possible completion date. It also helps to identify the activities that can be delayed without affecting the overall project timeline.

Moreover, the critical path method enables project managers to allocate resources effectively, as it provides a clear understanding of the tasks that require more attention and resources.

Overall, the critical path method plays a crucial role in project management by ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, while also allowing project managers to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively.

The critical path method is a tool used to determine the shortest amount of time required to finish a project. It helps to pinpoint tasks that can be postponed without affecting the overall completion time.

Helps to identify the dates the activities can start and finish at the earliest and latest respectively to maintain the schedule of the project.

4 Elements of Critical Path

It is important to identify the activities in a project along with their importance, for instance, the interdependency of activities on one another.

Now is the time to draw a network that will connect all crucial activities and determine which needs to be done first and all others subsequently in a step-by-step manner.

#1. Critical path analysis

The critical path is the one with the longest duration. A delay in the sequence of activities will cause a delay in the project

#2. Critical Float determination

Float is the time an activity can be allowed to slip before it starts causing a delay in tasks. After determining the critical path, determine the float of each activity.

#3. An early start and finish calculation

With the help of the forwarding Pass technique determine the earliest date, an activity can start and also can finish.

#4. A late start and finish calculation

With the help of the Backward Pass technique determine the latest date an activity can start and the latest date finish before it starts delaying the project.

9 Steps employed in critical path method

The first step is determining the list of activities and the duration that it will take to finish the task

Determining the sequence of the current and the predecessor activities and its dependencies

Determining the necessary tasks to be completed prior to beginning a project, as well as identifying the subsequent tasks that should follow the initial one, is a crucial consideration. Additionally, calculating and factoring in the duration of each activity is imperative in order to determine whether or not it is a critical component of the project.

Rewritten: Utilize the activity-on-node technique to create a network diagram, highlighting the intersection points to depict the relationships between the activities and their dependencies. To identify the various paths, analyze the routing to determine the sequence of activities.

Determine the critical path by applying and adding the durations

Refresh and update the diagram as the project progresses

Devise alternatives or backups for the most critical paths.

10 Benefits 

#1. Minimizing delays

An organization can use the critical path method to minimize the delays in a project

#2. Organizes complex projects

The critical path method helps to organize complex and large projects as it takes a systemic approach for risk management, project execution, scheduling, and project planning

#3. Predicts time

The critical path method predicts the time that will be required to complete the project

#4. Improves project organization

With the assistance of the critical path method, breaking down deliverables into sequences and tasks is simple. This allows for the creation of a critical path of tasks, constraint mapping, and dependency visualization, all readily available to enhance project organization.

#5. Visualize dependencies

The critical path method gives information about the activities and their interdependencies and this chart helps the management to prioritize tasks and visualize dependencies

#6. Maximizing efficiency

When a project manager can determine which task is more important he can use the information to allocate resources efficiently. It also helps to bring back the project on track

#7. Float calculation

The critical path method is a useful tool for effectively distributing required resources by calculating float. This allows for activities to receive the necessary flexibility to float while still staying on track with the overall project timeline.

#8. Graphical view

The critical path method shows the graphical view of the task/project

#9. Project plan

The algorithm helps in controlling, scheduling, and planning of a project. It offers clear directions and enhanced visibility to achieve organizational goals.

#10. Contingency plan

It is now possible for an organization to create and maintain contingency planning.

7 Disadvantages

A critical path is a planning tool that assumes every resource is available at every time for a project and this is not true

Chances of misusing float are high

It does not take into account resource dependencies

The attention on non-critical activities is negligible

Less routine projects are not completed within the approved time even if the company is following the critical path method

The estimates are not based on a statistical analysis

It cannot be used as a dynamic controlling device as any change if introduced will change the entire framework of the network