critical path analysis Flashcards
to calculate LFT you work
backwards right to left
a node shows?
point where an activities starts and finishes
an advantage of CPA is
helps reduce risk and cost of a complex project
what does the critical path determine?
shortest time possible to complete a project
what is float time
the duration of the activity can be postponed or expanded
amount of time an activity can be delayed and still wont affect the overall duration of the project
what is the critical path analysis
a project management tool used to work out the shortest and most efficient way of completing a complex project
what is represented at the top of the node
EST - earliest start time
what is at the bottom of the node
LFT - latest finishing time
how do you know the tasks that lay on the critical path
they have the same start time and latest finishing time. they have to be completed in order to not delay the whole project
why is knowing the earliest start time important
as some tasks cant be started without one being completed
managers know the earliest date which resources are needed
why is knowing the latest finishing time important
sees what activities that have float time
shows the critical path
tells managers the deadlines
how do you work out free float time
EST of next activity - duration of this activity - EST of this activity
what are the possible advantages of CPA
helps find shortest completion time
visual way of showing a project
can efficiently allocate resources and labour when needed
identifies most important activities
what are the possible disadvantages to CPA
Is just an estimate
doesnt mean project will be completed on time
without supervision problems can still occur
quality might be compromised if managers are rushing to meet dealines
can take a lot of time
