Scheduling
Critical Path Method (CPM)
A scheduling technique that identifies the sequence of dependent activities determining the shortest possible project duration.
What is the Critical Path Method (CPM)?
The critical path method (CPM) is a scheduling technique that identifies the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project plan. This sequence, the critical path, determines the shortest possible project duration.
How CPM Works
- List all activities
- Identify dependencies (finish-to-start, start-to-start, etc.)
- Determine activity durations
- Calculate early start, early finish, late start, late finish
- Identify the critical path (zero total float)
Key Concepts
- **Total Float** — the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project
- **Free Float** — the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the next activity
- **Critical Path** — activities with zero float
- **Crashing** — adding resources to shorten critical activities
- **Fast-tracking** — overlapping critical activities
Why CPM Matters
Without CPM, project managers cannot determine which activities are truly critical to the project completion date.
Related Terms
- Gantt Chart
A type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule, showing the dependency relationships between activities and current status.
- Look-Ahead Schedule
A short-term schedule (typically 2–6 weeks) that provides detailed activity planning beyond the master schedule.
- Earned Value Management (EVM)
A project management methodology that integrates scope, schedule, and cost to measure project performance and progress.
- Construction Management
The planning, coordination, and control of a construction project from inception to completion.
Looking for software that helps your team capture these inspections in the field? See our field inspection software or construction inspection software.