Guide to Critical Path Method (CPM) - Project Scheduling

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project modeling technique developed in the late 1950s. It's crucial for calculating the longest path that a project will take to complete. Understanding and applying the CPM can aid in establishing reasonable deadlines, optimizing resource allocation, and effectively managing project contingency plans.
The method consists of mapping out all tasks required to finish a project, identifying the longest sequence of tasks (the critical path), and estimating the earliest and latest each task can start and finish without impacting the project's timeline.
How CPM works:
1. Identify all tasks or activities required to complete the project.
2. Specify the dependencies between the tasks.
3. Estimate the duration of each task.
4. Identify the critical path (the longest sequence of dependent tasks).
Exam Tips - Answering Questions on CPM:
Understand the concept thoroughly before the exam. Practice problems for better understanding. Always draw a diagram to visualize the project network. Explain your answers in detail. It's not enough just to find the critical path, showing how you determined it is also beneficial. If asked to calculate slack/float, remember it is the amount of time a task can be delayed without delaying the project. Lastly, stay calm and organized, as questions on CPM can be complex and demand a clear understanding.