2. INTRODUCTION
The critical path method is the sequence of activities that must be
completed on time in order for the project to be finished by its
deadline
It helps project manager to schedule activities, allocate resources and
manage risk in a systematic and efficient way
CPM in watch breaking down a project into individual activities or
tasks, identifying the dependencies between them, estimating their
duration and determining their criticality
The critical path is determined by calculating the longest path of
critical activities through the project network
4. Limitations
May offer a lack of flexibility.
Greater potential for delays.
Increased complexity.
Reduced resource allocation.
Great potential for misusing float
5. Key Steps
Step 1: Activity specification
Step 2: Activity sequence establishment
Step 3: Network diagram
Step 4: Estimates for each activity
Step 5: Identification of the critical path
Step 6: Critical path diagram to show project progresses
6. Conclusion
Critical path identification is required for any project-
planning phase. This gives the project management the
correct completion date of the overall project and the
flexibility to float activities.
A critical path diagram should be constantly updated with
actual information when the project progresses in order
to refine the activity length/project duration predictions.
