3.3.4 critical path analysis

Question 1

CPA

Answer 1

management tool that helps bs to identify how long a project will take and what the critical tasks in the project are.

Question 2

nature and purpose of CPA

Answer 2

calculates minimum time needed to complete a project

identifies delays

aids w planning, organisation and resource management

Question 3

critical path

Answer 3

determines the shortest time possible to complete the project- all the ones where the no on top and bottom are same. quickest route

Question 4

EST

Answer 4

first node always 0-0.
do the 0 + the next duration= EST
if two pick the largest answer
work left to right, this no goes on top

Question 5

LFT

Answer 5

last node always same no.
do the last LFT minus the next duration= LFT
if two pick largest one out of the two answers
work right to left, this no. goes on bottom

Question 6

pros of CPA

Answer 6

• able to find the critical path- enables to help increase efficiency as well as lowering waste- this is cuz fewer resources can be wasted as it highlights the diff times that tasks need to be finished by and allow key tasks to be prioritised. also is efficient as b can see the projects start and finish time and set deadlines. enable to complete project un short time possible = competitive advantage

Question 7

float formula

Answer 7

LFT (of one your calculating)-EST(of last one)-duration

Question 8

cons of CPA

Answer 8

• takes a lot of time and money especially since it is simple to do, the time involved in creating it can be wasted
• CPA cant always deal with unforeseen problems, external factors may differ length of times that defeats the purpose of this method. then wont be successful
• if estimates are inaccurate it will mess the critial path which may no longer be the quickest route DEPENDS on how reliable the data acc is