Most projects are broken down into tasks, or activities (whatever you want to call the smaller bits that need to be completed in order to get the project done). The critical path is the series of those tasks that, when followed in sequential order and accounting for all the above variables...
To determine float, follow this process: Find the second longest sequence of activities in the network diagram. Subtract its total duration from the duration of the critical path sequence. The difference between the two durations will give you the float for each activity in the second sequence. ...
Therefore, the critical path is the longest sequence in a network diagram or the shortest duration for the project to be completed. There are some terms used in CPM just as there are in PERT. These are early start (earliest time a project can be started), late start (latest time to sta...
However, unlike the critical path method, PERT allows for flexibility in the period of time to complete a task. Just like the critical path method the activities and their duration are defined. However, the duration is determined with the following formula: expected time = (optimistic time + ...
Critical path method example with solution The more complex the project, the more difficult it will be to figure out how to find the critical path. Here we’re considering a simple example. (But if you want complicated ones, you can always explore PM sites or read thebest Agile project ma...
In theory, this allows you to schedule your project more accurately than if you only estimated one duration for each task. A PERT chart also allows you to map out dependencies, find the critical path — more on this later — and plan out the entire timeline for a project before it even...
The Critical Path Method (CPM) and the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) are good examples of how to use network diagrams in project management. Project managers use these methods to estimate the duration of the project and create a project schedule. Types of Project Network ...
After drawing the PERT chart and estimating the times, the project manager can use the chart for the next steps: Find the critical path based on the expected time for each task in the sequence. This path should include the set of consecutive tasks that together take the longest to complete...
To learn more about using critical path in project management, check out our article, “How Understanding Critical Path Can Drive Project Management Success.“ If you’re trying to shorten the duration of a project, you can use a critical path diagram in conjunction with a PERT chart. ...
Both refer to the same concept and they are interchangeable in most project management contexts. For example, project managers use slack in critical path methods and float when working with program evaluation and review technique analysis, PERT charts, agile methodologies, or work breakdown ...