Purchasing Resources for Critical Path Method (CPM)

Critical Path Method (CPM) Key Terms

Some key terms for using the Critical Path Method
By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN If you're in a management role, you may have heard of Critical Path Method and analysis. This general kind of planning involves breaking down a project into parts and figuring out what's most important, as well as dealing with "comparative scheduling" of various stages and activities. CPM helps managers create a master plan for a project, and also allows for contingencies and changes. Knowing about some of CPM key terms will help businesses get more familiar with the method.

Schedule

Every Critical Path Method plan is based on a schedule. The strength of CPM is in helping managers and planners to interpret the results of any complex schedule, including any necessary changes.
Try:  See a detailed explanation of a CPM schedule and its use in construction at  Construction Risk Management Library.

Triage

When it comes to CPM, triage is the art of arranging priorities and choosing the most necessary aspects of a project or situation.
Try:  Find out more about the history of triage, its principles and its use in industries at WiseGeek.

Activities diagram

Critical Path Method planners rely on an activities diagram to help show how the triage and scheduling is applied to a project. The activities diagram is a visual way to see what needs to be implemented at any project stage. It's also a way to reinforce ideas about the necessity of an activity.
Try:  See great visuals and a good detailed look at activities diagrams at MyCoted.

Crash-action plan

A crash-action plan, or contingency plan, is what springs into a CPM equation when a project encounters an unexpected change. Crash- action plans, in theory, help managers to adjust to unforeseen circumstances.
Try:  Read up on crash-action plans and more about CPM at Mindtools.

Floats

Different CPM terminology uses different names for some kinds of "floats." A "float" aspect of a project is something that can be defined according to its delay or hangup, related to the overall project. A "free float" can be disregarded if it is delayed.
Try:  Find more details on different kinds of floats for CPM at Coventry University's Math Stats and OR Network.

Program Evaluation Review Technique

The Program Evaluation Review Technique, or PERT, is something that many planners use in conjunction with critical path analysis. PERT allows for some randomness in project outcomes.
Try:  Discover more about PERT at NetMBA.

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