Critical path method: How to use CPM for project management

Critical path method: How to use CPM for project management

The critical path in project management is the longest sequence of activities that must be finished on time to complete the entire project. It’s a project management technique that involves mapping out key tasks or critical tasks necessary to complete a project. Leveraging this technique allows you to manage task dependencies and set realistic timeframes.

Create a network diagram

Turn the work breakdown structure into a flowchart displaying the chronology of activities

Use critical path for better project management

CPM can be a useful asset in project management, particularly for planning tasks and managing resources

Critical path method vs. Gantt chart

CPM: Visualizes critical and non-critical paths and calculates project duration

Estimate task duration

Make educated guesses based on experience, knowledge, and previous project data

Calculate the float

Float refers to the amount of flexibility of a given task. It indicates how much flexibility the task can be delayed without impacting subsequent tasks or the project end date.

What is the critical path method (CPM)?

A technique where you identify tasks that are necessary for project completion and determine scheduling flexibilities

Why use the critical path method?

Improves future planning

Identify dependencies

Determine the tasks that are dependent on one another

Compress schedules

There are two schedule compression techniques you can use: fast tracking and crashing

Resolve resource shortages

When there is a resource shortage, like an overbooked team member or lack of equipment, you can use resource leveling techniques to solve the issue

Total float vs. free float

Total float: This is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed from the early start date without delaying the project finish date or violating a schedule constraint.

Calculating the critical path manually

Write down the start and end time next to each activity

Compile data for future use

The schedule created from CPM is subject to change since you’re working with educated estimates for activity durations.

Critical path method vs. Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

PERT is used to estimate uncertainty around project activities by applying a weighted average of optimistic and pessimistic weights

List activities

Use a work breakdown structure to list all the project activities or tasks required to produce the deliverables

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