Critical path vs. critical chain
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| − | == Abstract | + | == Abstract == |
In project management, keeping track of critical activities in a project is key in order to manage the schedule. This article attempts to clarify the difference between two well established phenomena in project scheduling, which are often confused: critical path and critical chain. | In project management, keeping track of critical activities in a project is key in order to manage the schedule. This article attempts to clarify the difference between two well established phenomena in project scheduling, which are often confused: critical path and critical chain. | ||
When activities have to finish before other can start, start before other can finish, or other relationships, paths of activity relationship forms. The longest path of activities related to one another from start to finish of a project will be the most critical, as delays on this path will cause the whole project to be delayed. From this phenomenon rises the definition of the critical path. In real life, this will only be 100% true considering all resources available at all times, people, material, space, etc. As soon at resources are limited, other activities then the ones shown on the critical path can become critical as well. Allocating resources, considering additional constrains and viewing the project schedule from a holistic point of view allows the manager to see chains of criticalities within the project. The longest path of activities considering activity independence as well as resource constraints will be the critical chain. | When activities have to finish before other can start, start before other can finish, or other relationships, paths of activity relationship forms. The longest path of activities related to one another from start to finish of a project will be the most critical, as delays on this path will cause the whole project to be delayed. From this phenomenon rises the definition of the critical path. In real life, this will only be 100% true considering all resources available at all times, people, material, space, etc. As soon at resources are limited, other activities then the ones shown on the critical path can become critical as well. Allocating resources, considering additional constrains and viewing the project schedule from a holistic point of view allows the manager to see chains of criticalities within the project. The longest path of activities considering activity independence as well as resource constraints will be the critical chain. | ||
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• Glossary | • Glossary | ||
• History | • History | ||
| − | • Critical path (Method, Example | + | • Critical path (Method, Example) |
| − | • Critical chain (Method, Example | + | • Critical chain (Method, Example) |
| − | • Discussion (Differences) | + | • Discussion (Differences, Limitations) |
| − | == Glossary | + | == Glossary == |
| − | == Core differences | + | == Core differences == |
| − | == History | + | == History == |
| − | == Critical path | + | == Critical path == |
- Method | - Method | ||
- Example | - Example | ||
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| − | == Critical chain | + | == Critical chain == |
- Method | - Method | ||
- Example | - Example | ||
| − | |||
| − | == Discussion | + | == Programs == |
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | == Discussion == | ||
- Differences | - Differences | ||
| + | - Limitations | ||
- Where to use what | - Where to use what | ||
| − | == References | + | == References == |
| + | |||
https://edward-designer.com/web/critical-path-method-vs-critical-chain-method-for-pmp-exam/ | https://edward-designer.com/web/critical-path-method-vs-critical-chain-method-for-pmp-exam/ | ||
Revision as of 19:29, 17 February 2023
Contents |
Abstract
In project management, keeping track of critical activities in a project is key in order to manage the schedule. This article attempts to clarify the difference between two well established phenomena in project scheduling, which are often confused: critical path and critical chain. When activities have to finish before other can start, start before other can finish, or other relationships, paths of activity relationship forms. The longest path of activities related to one another from start to finish of a project will be the most critical, as delays on this path will cause the whole project to be delayed. From this phenomenon rises the definition of the critical path. In real life, this will only be 100% true considering all resources available at all times, people, material, space, etc. As soon at resources are limited, other activities then the ones shown on the critical path can become critical as well. Allocating resources, considering additional constrains and viewing the project schedule from a holistic point of view allows the manager to see chains of criticalities within the project. The longest path of activities considering activity independence as well as resource constraints will be the critical chain. The article will take the reader through the methods of the two phenomena, provide an example in order to get a more hands on understanding, and go through the limitations of each method. Furthermore, the history behind the methods will be briefly reviewed. A discussion of the principle differences between the two phenomena will be made and provide the reader with a better understanding of when what applies and where to practice which method as a project manager. The article contains the following topics: • Glossary • History • Critical path (Method, Example) • Critical chain (Method, Example) • Discussion (Differences, Limitations)
Glossary
Core differences
History
Critical path
- Method - Example
Critical chain
- Method - Example
Programs
Discussion
- Differences - Limitations - Where to use what
References
https://edward-designer.com/web/critical-path-method-vs-critical-chain-method-for-pmp-exam/ https://www.pmlearningsolutions.com/blog/critical-path-versus-critical-chain-pmp-concept-17 https://www.proofhub.com/articles/critical-chain-management https://www.geniuserp.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-critical-chain-project-management
