Applying the Critical Path Method in Project Management: Best Practices

Posted on Jul 13, 2023 at 12:07 AM

The critical path method is a go-to for project management; it is one of the most popular techniques used in the business world today, but why do you think that is? How can you use it to the fullest?

In this article, we'll discuss the critical path method, what it is and how best to use it.

What is the critical path method CPM in project management?

The critical path method is a project management analysis technique used by managers and leaders for planning projects and scheduling tasks and activities based on how they contribute to the project's success. 

Put it simply, the term critical path can be broken down into two components: critical and path. 

First, managers identify critical components of the project after breaking it down into simple tasks. Afterwards, they sort these components into a sequence that spans the project's duration from start to finish, then schedule each task for its designated time. 

Critical path method example.

Let's assume you plan to launch a new product to the market, all the modelling and manufacturing have been finished, and now it's time for the launching process.

 You can apply the critical path method to break down all the steps and decide which of those is the most important, which steps are dependent on others (which means you can't start them before the other is complete) and how these steps fit through time (i.e. what are the estimate dates for each activity from start to finish).

Think of it like this: launching a new product is not a one-time event; plenty of steps are essential to complete before introducing the product: 

• Deciding the target audience. 

• Choosing the problem that this product will solve. 

• Creating a powerful slogan and other marketing aspects. 

• Deciding on a launching timeline.

• Actual product construction.

By creating that list, we've broken down this process into its essential parts; now, the next step is identifying which sequences of tasks take the longest time to complete, which you can stretch and which procedure cannot be delayed without delaying the entire project. 

In this example, designing the product's consumer pool and how the product will affect them is the most essential step and the longest. Thus, it should be one of the earliest to finish.

The critical path method CPM is to keep applying this assessment algorithm until you've created a network of tasks, where each task relates to the others through paths of dependencies.

Once all the tasks and their dependent counterparts are identified, the project manager can use this information to develop a project schedule that ensures the critical tasks are scheduled to be completed on time and within budget.

How do you calculate the critical path?

The critical path method has been developed as a project management technique to help leaders with analysis, scheduling and the overall planning process. The critical path method CPM is simple; it can be simple steps. Here's how: 

• Identify every activities that are required to complete a project or objective.

• State the start and finish dates for each activity.

• Determine which activities are parallel and which are dependent on each other. 

• Calculate the earliest start time (ESI) and early finish time (EFT).

• Create a sequence of activities and map them to form a network diagram. 

• Start small: start with the shortest and easiest task.
  
  

What is the difference between pert and CPM?

PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) and CPM are valuable project management resources. Both techniques identify the critical steps a project requires to succeed.

Whereas the critical path method CPM is a technique that deals with straightforward, identified and determined steps, PERT is a technique that's used with uncertain or unidentified events. That's why CPM is used with accurate, easy-to-track series of events, PERT dwells in the uncertain world.  

In addition, PERT is usually used for research purposes, as it helps identify and analyse possible project outcomes. On the other hand, CPM is a construction tool that calculates the total amount of time and effort needed to construct an already researched project (especially as part of Engineering project management).

Best practices for the critical path method

To sum up, everything we've mentioned before, here are a few of the best practices for utilising the critical path method:

• Combine other project management methods, like agile project management and PERT, to get the best results. - Use it to map out critical ideas in a project.

• Identify dependencies.

• List the duration and time for each task (set start and finish dates).

• Create a work schedule for every task.

• Learn more about how to manage projects through Project Management Courses in Dubai effectively.
  
  

By following the best practices of the critical path method, you can effectively manage complex projects, ensure that critical tasks are completed on time and within budget, and achieve project goals and objectives efficiently.