critical path analysis Flashcards
What is cpa
CPA is a project management technique that requires mapping out every key task for the project
Helps business to operate efficiently and to see the quickest project completion
What is float time
Float time is the amount of time that a task in a project network can be delayed without causing a delay to project completion
what is total float
the amount of time that an activity can be delayed form its start date without delaying the finishing time of the project
LFT(this activity) - duration- EST (this activity
~ LFT duration EST
0————0 go from the star - X then - squiggly line
……….X……*
……………….|
What is free float
Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without causing delay to the next activity
Free float = EST(next activity) - duration - EST(this activity)
~————-* EST(nxac) duration EST
0————0 go from the star - X then - squiggly line
……..X
what is a dummy activity
its shows the dependency between activities but is not a task
CPA +
Helps reduce risk and cost of complex projects
encourages careful assessment of the requirements of each activity in a project
help spot which activities have some slack “float” could therefore transfer some resources
provides managers with useful overview of a complex projects and help them calculate the shortest time in which a project can be completed
links well with other aspects of business planning including cash flow forecasting and budgeting and when supplies need to be deliver JIT (just in time)
CPA -
Reliability of CPA largely based on accurate estimates and assumptions made
CPA doesn’t guarantee success of a project that still needs to be managed properly
resources may not actually be as flexible as management hope when they come to address the network float
too many activities makes the network diagram too complicated activities might themselves have to be broken down into mini projects
