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Critical Path Analysis

Critical path analysis (CPA) is a method used by managers to determine the time and resources needed to complete a project. It identifies the critical path or most efficient timeline. CPA uses a network diagram of nodes (circles) and arrows to represent tasks and their order. Earliest start time, latest finish time, and floats are key concepts. CPA helps managers plan projects, ensure tasks are completed on time, and improve efficiency. However, it requires accurate data and staff cooperation to be effective for large, complex projects.

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212 views

Critical Path Analysis

Critical path analysis (CPA) is a method used by managers to determine the time and resources needed to complete a project. It identifies the critical path or most efficient timeline. CPA uses a network diagram of nodes (circles) and arrows to represent tasks and their order. Earliest start time, latest finish time, and floats are key concepts. CPA helps managers plan projects, ensure tasks are completed on time, and improve efficiency. However, it requires accurate data and staff cooperation to be effective for large, complex projects.

Uploaded by

Jayna Crichlow
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MOB Unit 1 and 2

Ms. A. Gajadhar

What is Critical Path Analysis [CPA]?

CPA refers to a method used by production, operations and other types of managers to
determine how much time and resources would be required to complete a project.
It can also determine the most efficient path or timeframe to complete such projects.
CPA can be used in the creation of a product, construction projects, marketing campaigns
and other such projects.
CPA can be used for just about anything that requires an estimate of time and resources,
but mostly CPA is very useful in the manufacturing and construction sectors of the
economy.
By analyzing activities and identifying the critical path, it is possible to make more
rational decisions on the allocation of resources.
In CPA, there are circles, also known as nodes. See Below:

Earliest Start time


[EST]

Indicates the
Node
number

Latest Finish
Time [LFT]

The circles/nodes indicate the start or end of a task, depending on their situation in the
CPA diagram.
EST or Earliest Start Time refers to the earliest time that the next task can begin
LFT or Latest Finish Time looks at the latest time possible that the previous task can end
without delaying the next task.
In between each node, there are arrows, which indicate the order in which the tasks take
place.
Floats Floats are periods which indicate the possibility of pushing back the start time
without delaying the overall completion of the entire project. These are usually tasks
which do not lie on the critical path
Total float is the amount of time a path of activities can be delayed without
affecting the overall project completion.
LFT EST - Duration
Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the
beginning of the next activity at its EST.
EST at end of activity Duration EST at beginning of activity

1
MOB Unit 1 and 2
Ms. A. Gajadhar

Independent Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed when all
preceding activities have been completed as late as possible and all succeeding
activities are started as early as possible. It does not affect the float on preceding
or subsequent activities.
EST at end of activity LFT Duration.
Dummy activities these are activities that take up zero time, seen by a dotted line. It is
an imaginary activity designed to show a clear logical dependency between activities and
applies to network diagrams.

All of the above will be explained by your teacher through use of examples and diagrams. Please
note these in your notebooks.
Advantages of CPA:
1. Helps managers make better decisions using this diagram of estimates.
2. Ensures better time management between tasks so the project can be completed without
hitches.
3. Encourages forward planning tasks can be identified and planned from start to finish
4. Improves efficiency in production. Working capital can be minimized with Just In Time
methods. Labour can be used where necessary.

Disadvantages of CPA:
1. Construction of a network diagram does not ensure smooth completion of a project. The
co-operation and commitment of the entire team of staff is required to get on board and
complete tasks within set timeframes. Staff has to be consulted by management to get
accurate ideas of how long tasks would take for completion.
2. Some projects are very large and then this complicates the CPA. In this case, it may not
be a good technique to utilize.
3. If the data is unreliable it can set unrealistic ideas for task completion

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