Critical Path Method in a Gantt Chart - Revision history

S223717 at 14:51, 9 May 2023

2023-05-09T14:51:35Z

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	[[File:~~Earl-start-Early-finish~~.png\|1000px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 6: CPM in Gantt chart by using early-start and early-finish]]		[[File:CPMandGantt1.png\|1000px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 6: CPM in Gantt chart by using early-start and early-finish]]


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	[[File:~~Late-start-Late-finish~~.png\|1000px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 7: CPM in Gantt chart by using late-start and late-finish]]		[[File:CPMandGantt2.png\|1000px\|thumb\|center\|Figure 7: CPM in Gantt chart by using late-start and late-finish]]

S223717: /* Critical Path Method (CPM) in Gantt Chart */

2023-05-09T14:46:33Z

Critical Path Method (CPM) in Gantt Chart

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	Figure 6 displays the critical path on the Gantt chart highlighting the critical sequence of activities in red by using the early start and early finish of each task. Activities C and E have zero float, which means that they cannot be delayed without affecting the deadline of the whole project. Monitoring these activities is essential as they need to be done within a schedule to ensure the project’s success.		Figure 6 displays the critical path on the Gantt chart highlighting the critical sequence of activities in red by using the early start and early finish of each task. Activities C and E have zero float, which means that they cannot be delayed without affecting the deadline of the whole project. Monitoring these activities is essential as they need to be done within a schedule to ensure the project’s success.
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	Additionally, the float calculated for activities B, C, E and G can be seen in light blue, indicating the number of days that they can be delayed without affecting the project deadline. This also helps in the decision making and allocation of resources whenever a task is delayed allowing that the project is finish in time.		Additionally, the float calculated for activities B, C, E and G can be seen in light blue, indicating the number of days that they can be delayed without affecting the project deadline. This also helps in the decision making and allocation of resources whenever a task is delayed allowing that the project is finish in time.
	Furthermore, assigning each activity to a responsible, allows to have a clear overview of the tasks and ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities. This is essential when having large teams and a considerable number of tasks.		Furthermore, assigning each activity to a responsible, allows to have a clear overview of the tasks and ensure that everyone knows their responsibilities. This is essential when having large teams and a considerable number of tasks.

S223717: /* Implementation of CPM */

2023-05-09T14:22:31Z

Implementation of CPM

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	As it was mentioned in [[Abstract]], the way of estimates the task durations is by applying the forward and backward pass techniques. The forward technique calculates the early start and early finish of each task. starting with task number one set to an early start of 0 and continuing until the last task is scheduled. On the other hand, the backward technique works in the opposite direction, starting with the latest finish of the last activity being as its early finish. Furthermore, the latest finish of each preceding task will be the lowest latest start of its successors. Finally, the latest start of each task will be calculated by subtracting the duration to its latest finish.<ref name="pp.108" />		As it was mentioned in [[Abstract]], the way of estimates the task durations is by applying the forward and backward pass techniques. The forward technique calculates the early start and early finish of each task. starting with task number one set to an early start of 0 and continuing until the last task is scheduled. On the other hand, the backward technique works in the opposite direction, starting with the latest finish of the last activity being as its early finish. Furthermore, the latest finish of each preceding task will be the lowest latest start of its successors. Finally, the latest start of each task will be calculated by subtracting the duration to its latest finish.<ref name="pp.108" />

	~~'''~~The final date of the project will be the early finish of the last task~~'''~~. (See figure 4)		The final date of the project will be the early finish of the last task. (See figure 4)

	===Step 4: Identify the float. ===		===Step 4: Identify the float. ===

S223717: /* Limitations */

2023-05-09T14:13:21Z

Limitations

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	Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="CPMSCHE"/>		Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="CPMSCHE"/>

	Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.

	An alternative method called Critical Chain Method was developed to address these limitations. This tool follows the same step-by-step of CPM but after calculating the critical path, the resource availability is considered to finally calculate the resource-limited schedule.		An alternative method called Critical Chain Method was developed to address these limitations. This tool follows the same step-by-step of CPM but after calculating the critical path, the resource availability is considered to finally calculate the resource-limited schedule.

S223717: /* Limitations */

2023-05-09T13:54:38Z

Limitations

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	Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="CPMSCHE"/>		Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="CPMSCHE"/>

	Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="CPMSCHE">		Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="CPMSCHE"/>

	Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.		Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.

S223717 at 13:52, 9 May 2023

2023-05-09T13:52:38Z

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	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

	Although the Critical Path Method is a powerful schedule technique in project management with several benefits, also has its limitations. One of the main limitations is that it assumes perfect conditions and a fixed duration for each activity. It does not take into consideration that tasks can be delayed due to events that are not foreseen.<ref name="~~pp.~~CPMSCHE">Cpm Scheduling 2022, Disadvantages of the Critical Path Method, Cpm Scheduling, accessed 05 May 2023, https://www.cpmscheduling.com/cpm/disadvantages-of-the-critical-path-method/</ref>		Although the Critical Path Method is a powerful schedule technique in project management with several benefits, also has its limitations. One of the main limitations is that it assumes perfect conditions and a fixed duration for each activity. It does not take into consideration that tasks can be delayed due to events that are not foreseen.<ref name="CPMSCHE">Cpm Scheduling 2022, Disadvantages of the Critical Path Method, Cpm Scheduling, accessed 05 May 2023, https://www.cpmscheduling.com/cpm/disadvantages-of-the-critical-path-method</ref>

	Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="~~pp.~~CPMSCHE"/>		Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="CPMSCHE"/>

	Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="~~pp.~~CPMSCHE">		Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="CPMSCHE">

	Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.		Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.

S223717 at 13:51, 9 May 2023

2023-05-09T13:51:29Z

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	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

	Although the Critical Path Method is a powerful schedule technique in project management with several benefits, also has its limitations. One of the main limitations is that it assumes perfect conditions and a fixed duration for each activity. It does not take into consideration that tasks can be delayed due to events that are not foreseen.<ref name="pp.CPMSCHE">Cpm Scheduling 2022, Disadvantages of the Critical Path Method, Cpm Scheduling, accessed 05 May 2023, < https://www.cpmscheduling.com/cpm/disadvantages-of-the-critical-path-method/ >.</ref>		Although the Critical Path Method is a powerful schedule technique in project management with several benefits, also has its limitations. One of the main limitations is that it assumes perfect conditions and a fixed duration for each activity. It does not take into consideration that tasks can be delayed due to events that are not foreseen.<ref name="pp.CPMSCHE">Cpm Scheduling 2022, Disadvantages of the Critical Path Method, Cpm Scheduling, accessed 05 May 2023, https://www.cpmscheduling.com/cpm/disadvantages-of-the-critical-path-method/</ref>

	Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="pp.CPMSCHE"/>		Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="pp.CPMSCHE"/>

S223717 at 13:50, 9 May 2023

2023-05-09T13:50:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 9 May 2023
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	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

	Although the Critical Path Method is a powerful schedule technique in project management with several benefits, also has its limitations. One of the main limitations is that it assumes perfect conditions and a fixed duration for each activity. It does not take into consideration that tasks can be delayed due to events that are not foreseen.		Although the Critical Path Method is a powerful schedule technique in project management with several benefits, also has its limitations. One of the main limitations is that it assumes perfect conditions and a fixed duration for each activity. It does not take into consideration that tasks can be delayed due to events that are not foreseen.<ref name="pp.CPMSCHE">Cpm Scheduling 2022, Disadvantages of the Critical Path Method, Cpm Scheduling, accessed 05 May 2023, < https://www.cpmscheduling.com/cpm/disadvantages-of-the-critical-path-method/ >.</ref>

	Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling.		Another limitation is that CPM does not have a resource constraint, therefore, assumed that there are unlimited resources available, which is not the case for real life situations. Every project has a budget, limited work force and equipment, and so on, which are essential for the project success and must be considered when scheduling. <ref name="pp.CPMSCHE"/>

	Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path.		Additionally, in a large project with a considerable number of tasks, it can become difficult to calculate the schedule manually, and requires project management software to implement the method. Then, it is essential that the data entered is accurate to ensure the proper calculation of the critical path. <ref name="pp.CPMSCHE">

	Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.		Furthermore, CPM does not consider risk identification and the process to manage them. This is essential to identify possible risk that can delay the project if the way of mitigating them is not properly evaluated.

S223717: /* Critical Path Method (CPM) in Gantt Chart */

2023-05-09T13:06:14Z

Critical Path Method (CPM) in Gantt Chart

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 9 May 2023
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	Combining the Critical Path Method and the Gantt chart allows to have a ~~comprehensive~~ view of the schedule~~. Additionally, by displaying~~ both early and late start and finish~~, it~~ determines which activities are crucial for delivering the project in time. This information ~~help~~ to take informed decisions and have a more efficient management of resources. ~~Moreover~~, the Gantt chart provides a visual representation of the schedule, making it easier to see each activity’s progress for everyone involved. Finally, the combination of these two powerful tools will enhance any project ~~schedule~~ planning and ~~its~~ development.		Combining the Critical Path Method and the Gantt chart has many benefits that will improve the possibilities of a project success. In the first place, it allows to have a complete view of the schedule as both early and late start and finish are displayed. It determines which activities are crucial for delivering the project on time and which activities can be delayed and for how long without affecting the final deadline. This information is essential to take informed decisions and have a more efficient management of resources and prioritize one task over another. This will allow to withstand any unexpected event or resources shortages.

			Furthermore, the Gantt chart provides a visual representation of the schedule, making it easier to see each activity’s progress for everyone involved, as it provides each activity’s duration, responsible and dependencies on previous tasks.

			Finally, the combination of these two powerful tools will enhance any project planning and development by having a clear visualization of the schedule, activities and responsible.

	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

S223717: /* Implementation of CPM */

2023-05-09T12:33:11Z

Implementation of CPM

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	[[File:Example List of activities.png\|400px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1: List of activities]]		[[File:Example List of activities.png\|400px\|thumb\|right\|Figure 1: List of activities]]

	The first step is to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to list the activities of the project, set their duration and dependency as it can be seen in figure 1. This information set the base for creating the network diagram, which is the next step in the CPM process. <ref name="pp.108">Project management step-by-step, 2002, Richman, Larry L, pp.108-113</ref>.		The first step is to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to list the activities of the project, set their duration and dependency as it can be seen in a simple way in figure 1. This information set the base for creating the network diagram, which is the next step in the CPM process. <ref name="pp.108">Project management step-by-step, 2002, Richman, Larry L, pp.108-113</ref>.

	See more about WBS on the Project Management Body of Knowledge. <ref name="p116">A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, fourth edition, 2008, Project Management Institute, pp.116-122</ref>		See more about WBS on the Project Management Body of Knowledge, by the Project Management Institute. <ref name="p116">A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, fourth edition, 2008, Project Management Institute, pp.116-122</ref>