Critical Path Analysis
Helps decision-makers understand CPM through a concise overview of the technique, its benefits, and implementation. Recent research shows schedule risk stems from the whole activity network and from duration variability, so pair CPM with variability-aware checks (Vazquez et al., 2023; Hasan and Lu, 2024).
Technique Overview
Critical Path Analysis Definition
Critical path analysis (also known as critical path method) is a network-diagramming technique used to predict total project duration and aids in combating project schedule overruns (Schwalbe, 2010). Modern studies add that timely delivery depends on network-wide interactions and on monitoring activities whose variability threatens completion even when they are not on today’s “critical” path. (Vazquez et al., 2023; Hasan and Lu, 2024).
Critical Path Analysis Description *
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Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Critical Path Analysis *
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Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Critical Path Analysis *
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Professional Tools
Critical Path Analysis videos and downloads *
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Further Reading
Critical Path Analysis web and print resources *
Critical Path Analysis references (4 of up to 20) *
- Abeli, W.S. and Dykstra, D.P. (1988) Improving Work Efficiency through the Application of a Critical Path Method. Forestry, Vol. 61(1), pp. 73-78.
- Fairley, R.E. (2009) Managing and Leading Software Projects. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ.
- Hasan, M. and Lu, M. (2024) ‘Mitigating Project Schedule Risks by Identifying Subcritical Paths and Variance-Critical Activities’, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(8). https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-14821
- IBM (2011) IBM Business Process Manager, Version 7.5. [Online] Available at: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/dmndhelp/v7r5mx/index.jsp?topic=/com.ibm.wbpm.wle.widget.doc/portalhelp/topic/using_cpm.html.
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