3.3.4 - Critical Path Analysis

Question 1

What is CPA

Answer 1

• CPA is a management tool which helps a business to identify how long a project will take and what the critical tasks in that project are
• The diagrams are called network diagrams, as they show a network of tasks in a project

Question 2

What are the uses of CPA

Answer 2

• CPA can be used to schedule a building project, for example the roof is not the first thing to go on a house and the site may not have enough room for all the roof tiles at the start.
• A building business would therefore schedule the tiles to be delivered when they are needed perhaps on week three when the roof goes on

Question 3

What are the benefits of using CPA

Answer 3

A. Stakeholders will be able to see the total time frame for the project to be completed
B. Parallel activities can be scheduled, for example electricians can work on the lighting in the kitchen while the plasterers put plaster on the upstairs walls. This will save time on the project
C. Very useful for businesses in the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) markets where speed is important
D. Useful to know when to deliver resources or arrange for labour to arrive e.g. can’t put a carpet in while painters are still working

Question 4

Limitations of CPA

Answer 4

• All the data in the network diagram is based on estimates and can quickly become inaccurate e.g. if the weather turns bad on a building project or suppliers fail to turn up with a delivery
• The drawing up on a diagram is time consuming it may be quicker to get on with the project
• The project may be simple and not require a diagram

Question 5

PRACTICE CPA ANALYSIS

Answer 5

PRACTICE CPA ANALYSIS