CPM (Critical Path Method), a mathematical algorithm that allows you to plan, analyze, and schedule complex projects. Each project is composed of many tasks and activities that are interconnected. This is essential for the project’s success. Project management becomes more difficult the more complex the project. CPM is the solution. CPM is at its core a powerful tool that allows one to identify the most difficult path of tasks to complete the project within the deadlines. It also helps you identify the start and end dates. You will be able to identify the critical path and determine which activities are essential for the project’s completion. Frameworks and Project Management Methodologies
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EI DuPont de Nemours Company was a US chemical company that was severely behind schedule in the late 50’s. They needed a solution to get them back on track. They devised a way to divide the project into thousands of tasks, determine the time each task takes, and assess how important they are to the overall process. This technique was called Critical Path Method or CPM. It was first used in 1958 to build a new chemical plant. Since then, it has been a widely used method of project management. Steps in the critical path method
The critical path method involves the following steps: Identifying activities Using the project scope, you can break down the work structure into a list and code them. All activities must have a duration and a target date. 2. The most important step is to determine the sequence of activities. This gives you a clear picture of the connections between the activities and helps establish dependencies, as some activities will depend upon the completion of other activities. 3. Create a network of activities. Once you have determined the relationships between activities, you can create the network diagram or critical path analysis chart. This allows you to use arrows and connect the activities based upon their dependence. You can determine the completion time of each activity by estimating the time it will take. While you can estimate smaller projects in days, complex projects may require estimates for weeks. The critical path can be found by creating a network of activities. This will allow you to create the longest sequence of activities along the path.
Early Finish EF – The earliest time to complete an activity
Late Finish LF – The latest time required to complete the project without any delays
Late Start LS – The latest start date for the project, when it can begin without any delays
The entire project will be affected if there is a delay in any task that is on the critical path. The critical path is the one that can be followed without any delays. Not all activities of a project are equally important. Some activities have a significant impact on the critical pathway and therefore are critical. However, other activities don’t make a difference to the project if delayed. The critical path method allows us to determine which items are most important.
