The Critical Path Method (CPM

Sample Solution

  The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management tool that helps to identify the sequence of activities that must be completed in order to complete the project on time. The CPM also calculates the slack time for each activity, which is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the completion of the project. When an activity on the critical path experiences a schedule overrun, it is important to identify whether or not the overrun can be recovered. If the overrun can be recovered, then the project manager can take steps to shorten the duration of the activity or to add resources to the activity. However, if the overrun cannot be recovered, then the project manager may need to delay the completion of the project.

Full Answer Section

  Activities that are not on the critical path have some slack time, which means that they can be delayed without delaying the completion of the project. If an activity on the critical path experiences a schedule overrun, then the project manager may be able to recover the overrun by taking some of the slack time from activities that are not on the critical path. For example, let's say that you are managing a project that has a critical path of 10 activities. Activity A has a duration of 2 days, and activity B has a duration of 3 days. Activity C is not on the critical path, and it has a duration of 4 days. If activity A experiences a schedule overrun of 1 day, then the project manager will need to delay the completion of the project by 1 day. However, the project manager may be able to recover this overrun by taking 1 day of slack time from activity C. This would allow the project to be completed on time, even though activity A experienced a schedule overrun. It is important to note that the Critical Path Method is only one tool that can be used to manage projects. Other tools, such as the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), can also be used to help project managers to track the progress of their projects and to identify potential problems. Here are some additional thoughts on how the Critical Path Method can be used to recover from schedule overruns:

• The Critical Path Method can be used to identify activities that have slack time.
• Activities that have slack time can be delayed without delaying the completion of the project.
• The project manager can use the Critical Path Method to recover from schedule overruns by taking slack time from activities that are not on the critical path.

By understanding the Critical Path Method, project managers can help to ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget.