Critical Path Analysis Practice-Uploader

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Project Management
Critical Path Analysis Practice-Uploader
Task Optimistic Realistic Pessimistic PERT Predecessors
A 3 5 15 6.3 None
B 3 7 14 7.5 None
C 3 4 10 4.83 None
D 6 9 12 9 A,B
E 4 6 9 6.17 B,C
F 7 14 15 13 C
G 7 12 18 12.17 D,F
H 5 9 13 9 G,F
PERT is given the formula = Optimistic time + (4 * Realistic time) + Pessimistic time /6
1. What is the shortest possible duration for this project?
The shortest possible time is the PERT weighted average time which is
(6.3+7.5+4.83+9+6.17+13+12.17+9) = 67.97 days
2. What sequence of tasks form the critical path?
ADBECFGH
3. How much free float (=slack) can be found in task F?
One day
4. Once the project begins, it is assumed that task A takes 10 days instead of the estimated
6.3 days. Assuming all other tasks are completed on time, how long will the project
take?
The project will take (10+7.5+4.83+9+6.17+13+12.17+9) = 71.67 days

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Discussion Question #4inital prompt
Critical path is the longest path taken from the start of the project to the end. Any activity on the
critical path cannot be moved to the next not until the predecessor activity has been
accomplished. Therefore, in my view CPM does not assume infinite resources when creating
the initial project network because one has to determine the longest path by involving all
activities to identify the longest path (Kerzner, H., & Kerzner, H. R, 2017). For real world
project critical path is a smart assumption because CPM does not move to the next activity
until the predecessor is completed, which means there is no single activity that will be
delayed.
Response prompt
Response to Saruta Alvarez-Balseca
I agree with you that critical path method is a step-by-step technique that has to be
accomplished prior to the project completion. However, critical path is the longest path that
the path that takes the longest time from the commencement of the project to completion. I
also agree with your definition as the shortest path through a project. Once there is a delay in
one or more activities on the critical path, then the entire project will be delayed. Indeed, the
critical path method is a significant tool to project management because it effectively helps in
managing different task by scheduling them accordingly and keeping track of all activities by
displaying them in a network diagram. The network diagram uses arrows that link project
activities which are represented as nodes.
Response to MeChell Hays
Indeed, critical path method (CPM) maps the critical steps in a project, it is not
necessarily supposed to be a complex project but any project by illustrating the sequence of

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activities. CPM takes the longest path starting from the first activity to the end, hence it can
be used to determine the duration of the project. Any activity on the critical path cannot be
moved to the next not until the predecessor activity has been accomplished. However, if the
activity is delayed for a specified number of days say three days, the whole project will be
delayed for those three days not unless the activity following the delayed one is completed
three days earlier. The critical path is a significant tool in a project because it aids to manage
any project type. Once CPM has been identified, it becomes clear to know where the efforts
can be compromised.