CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Life Cycle PhasesMedium
A project manager is creating a project schedule for a new product launch. She needs to identify the sequence of activities that, if delayed, will directly delay the entire project. What technique should she use?
- AResource Leveling
- BCritical Path Method (CPM)
- CGantt Chart Analysis
- DThree-Point Estimating
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a schedule network analysis technique used to determine the amount of scheduling flexibility (float) on logical network paths in the project schedule network, and to determine the minimum project duration.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Resource Leveling is a technique to optimize resource allocation, not to find the critical path.
- C. Gantt Chart Analysis is a display tool, not a method for identifying the critical path.
- D. Three-Point Estimating is a technique for estimating activity durations, not for sequencing or critical path analysis.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
A schedule network analysis technique that determines the longest path through the project network diagram and thus determines the shortest possible duration for the project.
- Identifies activities with zero float.
- Any delay on critical path activities delays the project.
- Used to calculate the earliest and latest start/finish dates.
Memory trick: To find the 'heartbeat' of the schedule, follow the 'critical' path.