Resource-Constrained Critical Path Method
Abstract
This article aims to describe a new approach to a specific project management technique called Critical Path Method (CPM).
According to Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), CPM is a method used to estimate the minimum project duration and determine the amount of scheduling flexibility on the logical network paths within the schedule model[1]. Given scheduled activities for a project that need to be completed in a specific order, multiple task sequences can be defined. CPM helps us to determine the longest sequence of tasks in the project, which will be also the shorter possible project duration. The main steps of CPM will be described, providing a brief guidance on how to apply the method so to obtain the optimal project duration.
However, a traditional CPM schedule is not realistic, because it assumes unlimited resources, some of which are highly limited in practice[2]. Therefore, a different approach of the same technique, called Resource-constrained Critical Path Method (RCPM), will be presented.
By providing a step-by-step RCPM procedure, the article will focus on the advantages that this technique can offer compared to the traditional Critical Path Method. The paper will then conclude with observations about the benefits and limitations of both CPM and RCPM, highlighting differences and similarities between the two techniques.
