Lecture 10 : Critical
Path Method
Objectives
To calculate the longest path of planned activities to the
end of the project
To determine the earliest and latest that each activity can
start and finish without making the project longer
To determine critical activities (on the longest path)
To prioritize activities for the effective management and
to shorten the planned critical path of a project
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
Topics covered
Background & History
Definition of CPM
The CPM approach
Definitions and terminologies used
Class Exercise
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
Background and History
Developed in the 1950s by the US Navy
Originally, the critical path method considered only logical dependencies
between terminal elements
Since then, it has been expanded to allow for the inclusion of resources
related to each activity, through processes called activity-based resource
assignments and resource leveling.
Critical Path Method for the construction industry
Non-computer approach
John Fondahl
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
What is CPM
The Critical Path Method or Critical Path Analysis, is a mathematically
based algorithm for scheduling a set of project activities
It is an important tool for effective project management
Commonly used with all forms of projects, including construction,
software development, research projects, product development,
engineering, and plant maintenance, among others
Any project with interdependent activities can apply this method of
scheduling
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
CPM method
The essential technique for using CPM is to construct a model of
the project that includes the following
A list of all activities required to complete the project (also known
as Work Breakdown Structure)
The time (duration) that each activity will take to completion
The dependencies between the activities.
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
CPM Method
CPM calculates :
The longest path of planned activities to the end of the project
The earliest and latest that each activity can start and finish without making the
project longer
Determines critical activities (on the longest path)
Prioritize activities for the effective management and to shorten the planned critical
path of a project by:
Pruning critical path activities
Fast tracking" (performing more activities in parallel)
Crashing the critical path" (shortening the durations of critical path activities by
adding resources)
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
CPM Approach
Phase I
Break project into operations necessary for completion
Determine sequential relationship of operations
Every operation must have event to mark commencement
i.e. completion of preceding operation
Can operations overlap?
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
CPM Approach
Phase II
Create time estimates for each operation
Determine earliest possible start date, earliest possible
finish date , latest start & finish
Determine free float and total float
Revised after completion of Phase III
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
CPM Approach
Phase III
Establish time-cost relationship
Establish scheduling variations
Determine most favorable balance between time-cost
Normal Start normal time, least cost
All-Crash Start least time, higher cost
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
10
CPM Approach in Diagram
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
11
Definitions and terminologies
Float (slack) - amount of time that a task can be delayed without causing a delay to:
subsequent tasks (free float)
project completion date (total float)
Critical path is the sequence of activities which add up to the longest overall duration. It is
the shortest time possible to complete the project. Any delay of an activity on the critical
path directly impacts the planned project completion date (there is no float on the critical
path). A project can have several, parallel, near critical paths. An additional parallel path
through the network with the total durations shorter than the critical path is called a subcritical or non-critical path.
Critical activity activity with zero float
Resource leveling iterative process of assigning crews to activities in order to calculate
their duration
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
12
Definition illustrated
Activity Identity box
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
13
Example
START
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
14
CPM diagram
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
15
Gantt Chart Example
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
16
Summary
Critical Path Analysis is an effective and powerful method
of assessing:
Tasks which must be carried out
Where parallel activity can be carried out
The shortest time in which a project can be completed
Resources needed to achieve a project
The sequence of activities, scheduling, and timings
involved
Task priorities
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
17
Tutorial 10
Create the following diagrams based on the following
table:
critcal path diagram
Activity
Time Required
Wake up and Get up
10 mins
Brush Teeth
5 mins
Shower
10 mins
Dress
10 mins
Prepare Breakfast
20 mins
Eat Breakfast
15 mins
Transportation to Class
40 mins
Gestion Projet Web et Multimdia
18
