Critical path vs. critical chain

Revision as of 11:57, 14 February 2023

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, Limitations) • Critical chain (Method, Example, Limitations) • Discussion (Differences)

Glossary:

Core differences:

History:

Critical path:

- Method
- Example
- Limitations

Critical chain:

- Method
- Example
- Limitations

Discussion:

- Differences
- 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