Critical Path Analysis

Knowledge Center

Description of Critical Path Analysis. Explanation.

Definition Critical Path Analysis. Description.

Critical Path Analysis (CPA) is a type of network analysis planning technique that is used to plan and manage complicated projects or business processes.

CPA is a form of network analysis used to decide the continuous chain of operations critical to completion of a project or business process by its scheduled completion date.

It was developed in the 1950s to manage large defense projects.

Applications of Critical Path Analysis

• Lay out all tasks that have to be completed as part of a complex project
• Basis for preparation of detailed schedules and resource planning
• Monitor the progress of goals
• Signal the need for remedial action in case of problems in the project. CPA shows diagrammatically the interrelations in sequence of all the activities in a project / business process in such a way as to highlight, which are critical for the due performance of the overall work.

Critical Path Analysis versus Gantt Charts

Advantages of CPA over Gantt Charts:

• CPA identifies tasks, which have to be completed on time
• CPA identifies tasks, which can be delayed without effecting the project completion time
• CPA identifies the minimum time required to finish a project
• CPA identifies which tasks one needs to focus on to speed op a project.

Disadvantages of CPA compared to Gantt Charts:

• CPA charts has no timeline, so the relation of tasks to time is less obvious.

• CPA charts are more difficult to understand (especially for beginners)

How to Perform a Critical Path Analysis. Drawing a CPA Chart

1. List all activities in a project / process

2. Determine the earliest start date

3. Determine the required time for each task

4. Determine which tasks can be run in parallel and which ones are sequential.

5. Plot the activities in a CPA Chart, representing their logical relations by symbols.

Special Interest Group - Critical Path Analysis Special Interest Group (39 members)

Forum - Critical Path Analysis   Here you will find interesting and educational discussions.   Advantages of Critical Path Analysis - Benefits The main benefits of Critical Path Analysis are in my opinio...           Disadvantages of Critical Path Analysis - Drawbacks In my view, the main drawbacks of Critical Path Analysis are...           How to Use Critical Path Analysis for Complex Projects Critical Path Analysis (CPA) is a powerful tool that can hel...           Sensitive and Insensitive Project Schedules Critical Path Methodology plays a vital role in network sens...           Critical Path Analysis for Strategic Planning (1 reactions) What merits would critical path analysis impose in planning ...           Critical Incident Point versus Critical Path Analysis? (1 reactions) What is the difference between the Critical Incident Point a...           Steps After Identifying the Critical Path in Project Management After identification of the critical path, typically the fol...           Critical Path in Agile Projects (2 reactions) Recently critical paths are being identified and worked upon...

Best Practices - Critical Path Analysis Here you will find the most valuable ideas.

Expert Tips - Critical Path Analysis Here you will find high-quality advice from experts.

Resources - Critical Path Analysis Here you will find powerpoint presentations, micro-learning videos and further information sources. How to Perform a Critical Path Analysis and Draw a CPA CHART? Practical Guide Critical Path Analysis, CPA, Critical Path Chart...   Critical Path Analysis / Method In-depth Project Planning, Project Management, Project Monitoring...   Comprehensive Summary of Critical Path Analysis with Examples CPP, Critical Path Analysis...     News about Critical Path Analysis         Videos about Critical Path Analysis         Presentations about Critical Path Analysis         Books about Critical Path Analysis         More about Critical Path Analysis

Compare also: Gantt Chart  |  Business Process Modeling  |  Milestone  |  PRINCE2  |  OPM3  |  MSP  |  PMMM

Return to Management Hub: Change & Organization  |  Program & Project Management  |  Strategy  |  Supply Chain & Quality

More on Management  |  Return to Management Dictionary  | 

This ends our Critical Path Analysis summary and forum.