CPA - critical path analysis

Critical path analysis - a planning technique that compiles all tasks that must be completed and puts them in a sequence that allows for identification of the critical path

advantages

provides an overview of complex projects

EST allows managers to order equipment and raw materials on time which can help them move towards lean pproduction

LFT allows managers to see whether the project is on schedule, it also helps them identify the slack time

disadvantages

the CPA may not be accurate and there may be some unforeseen problems that the CPA has not accounted for

CPA does not guarantee success of the project

It requires skilled and motivated workforce

Critical path - the sequence of tasks that must be completed on time to finish the activity by the agreed date

1. Identify objective

2. put the activities into a correct sequence and make a network diagram

3. add duration for each of the activities

4. identify critical path of the activities that can be done inthe shortest duration of time possible

5. Use the network diagram as a tool to control process and resolve problems

Components

nodes - a circle with the EST and LFT of each activity

EST - earliest starting time for an activity considering the time required for each preceding activity to be finished

LFT - latest finishing time for an activity. any time beyond this would lead to a delay in the entire project.

Duration of each activity

Activity - links the nodes together

network diagram - diagram used in CPA to depict the logical sequence of activities and their dependencies so critical path can be identified

free float - the length of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the following activities.

EST(next activity)-duration-EST(this activity)

Total float - the length of time an activity/task can be delayed without delaying the whole project

LFT-duration-EST