Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
Skip to content
Project Management Best Practices PMP Resources
Menu
Search for: Search … Search
• Blog
• Resources
◦ PMP Resources
▪ PMP Formulas
▪ Earned Value Formulas
▪ PMBOK 5th Ed Notes
◦ Categories
▪ Certification
▪ Integration
▪ Scope
▪ Schedule
▪ Cost
◦ Tags
▪ Tools and Techniques
▪ Solved Examples
▪ PDU
▪ PMP
▪ PMBOK
• Quizzes
◦ EVM
◦ CPM
• Projects
• Awards
• About
◦ Competencies
◦ Experience
◦ Resume
◦ Gallery
• Contact
September 26, 2017June 5, 2021 by Atul Gaur PMP
Bookmark
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example
Google Bookmark Facebook Twitter Print More 614
Schedule Network Analysis Example
Project scheduling tools like MS Project generate critical path with utmost ease. However, it is necessary to understand the critical path analysis calculations. Understanding basic concepts of critical path analysis not only help
project managers but also assist pmp certification aspirants. Moreover, solving a critical path analysis example problem also improves knowledge of CPM technique.
Today, Critical Path Method (CPM) is the most popular schedule network analysis technique. Therefore, this post demonstrates steps in critical path analysis with a solved example using critical path method technique.
Critical Path Analysis Definition
Critical path analysis is the process of identifying the longest path in a schedule network diagram. The analysis not only indicates completeness of project schedule but also ascertains degree of scheduling flexibility. Moreover,
critical path analysis also reveals the minimum duration required to complete a project.
Critical path analysis also specifies link between project activities. It is important to realize that not all activities can start and finish on time. Hence critical path analysis specifies permissible delays to activities that are not on
critical path. Thus schedule flexibility is the permissible delay that does not affect project completion date.
Critical Path Analysis Schedule Network Diagramming Techniques
The first activity of critical path analysis is to draw a schedule network diagram. The critical path analysis uses Precedence Diagram Method (PDM) to construct the schedule network. Further, PDM method uses Activity-on-
Node (AON) diagramming technique to represent the schedule logic. In AON the nodes represent the schedule activities. Most of the scheduling programs use PDM technique to construct project network diagram. Therefore,
critical path analysis example problem uses activity-on-node method to represent the schedule network logic.
The following figure represents PMBOK nomenclature for activity nodes in precedence diagram method.
1 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
Precedence Diagramming Method AON Nomenclature
Critical Path Method Example With Solution
To understand the critical path analysis calculation steps consider the following schedule network diagram.
Critical Path Analysis Example Problem
Step – 1 : Calculate the total number of paths and their duration.
The first and the most crucial critical path analysis step is to identify the critical path. To achieve this first identify all the paths in the network. The schedule network diagram shown above has four paths. The path with longest
duration is the critical path. The following indicates description of all the paths.
• First path is Start (S) – A – D – E – End (E’) the duration of this path is 16 weeks
• The second path is S – A – E – G – E’ the duration of which is also equal to 16 weeks
• The third path is S – B – C – E – G – E’ the duration of this path is 22 weeks
• Fourth path is S – B – F – G – E’ the duration of this path is equal to 20 weeks
The longest path in the network above is S-B-C-E-G-E’ with a duration of 22 weeks. Hence, path S-B-C-E-G-E’ is the critical path of the above schedule network diagram.
Step – 2 : Indicate the Critical Path
Indicate the critical path on the network diagram with a bold line. The network diagram with critical path will look as follows
S H AR E S
2 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
Project Schedule Network Diagram Indicating Critical Path in Bold
Step – 3 : Perform Forward Pass on Critical Path
The next step is to calculate early start and early finish of each activity. We need to start with activities on critical path.
Step – 3.1 : Calculate Early Start and Early Finish of activities on Critical Path.
First Node
Here, it is essential to point out that critical path analysis has two conventions for calculation. This critical path method (cpm) example problem uses the convention that project starts on day one.
Another convention for cpm analysis states that the project starts on day zero.
However, we will stick to the convention indicated in PMBOK, which states that, the project starts on day 1. Hence ES of first activity B on critical path is 1.
• EF = ES + Activity Duration – 1
• EF of Activity B = 1 + 6 – 1 = 6
Node B
• ES = EF of first node + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7
• EF = ES + Activity Duration -1 = 7 + 4 – 1 = 10
Repeat the above step till you reach the last node
Once the forward pass is complete the network diagram will look as follows. The following diagram looks different because of spreadsheet calculations. However, the schedule network logic has not changed.
Project Schedule Network Diagram Indicating Early Start and Early Finish
Step – 4 : Perform Backward Pass on Critical Path
Perform backward pass to calculate Late Start and Late Finish.
Step – 4.1 : Calculate Late Start and Late Finish of activities on critical path
The total float of activities on critical path is zero. Hence on critical path LS = ES and LF = EF. Therefore, no backward pass calculation for activities on critical path. Once backward pass calculation is complete the network
diagram will look as follows.
S H AR E S
3 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
Project Schedule Network Diagram Indicating Late Start and Late Finish
Step – 5 : Perform Forward Pass on Activities Not On Critical Path
Node A
• ES = 1 and EF = 1+4-1 =4
Node D
• ES = 4 and EF = 16
For activities with more than one preceding activity ES is latest of the earliest finish times of the preceding activities
When we have ES and EF of a particular node we can calculate the Total Float using the formula
Total Float = LS – ES or LF – EF
Step – 6 : Perform Backward Pass on Activities Not On Critical Path.
Node F
• LF = LS of Previous node -1 = 18 – 1 = 17
• LS = LF – Activity Duration + 1 = 17 – 9 + 1 = 9
Node D
• LF = 22 since this is the last activity not on critical path it can finish on week 22
• LS = 22 – 12 + 1 = 11
Node A
This node connects to two different activities D and E. In such conditions LF of node A is the earliest of the latest start times of the preceding activity. In this case it is same hence
• LF of node A is 11 – 1 = 10 and
• LS = 10 – 4 + 1 = 7
Step – 7 : Calculate Total Float
The following formula represents total float of an activity.
• Total Float = LS – ES or LF – EF
Consider the first node, Node A.
Here LS = 7 and ES =1, therefore total float of Node A = 7 – 1 = 6.
On critical path LS = ES and LF = EF hence total float is equal to zero.
Once backward pass and total float calculation is complete the resultant network diagram will look as follows.
Critical Path Analysis Complete Project Schedule Network Diagram
Step – 8 : Calculate Free Float
For formula to calculate free float please refer to the following post
• Critical Path Method Schedule Analysis
For details of schedule network analysis, please read my post.
• Schedule Network Analysis Methods
• Program Evaluation And Review Technique
For tools and techniques to establish logical relationships between project activities, please read the following post.
• Sequence Activities – Tools To Establish Logical Relationships.
S H AR E S
4 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
Also read the following post for a comprehensive list of project management formulas for pmp examination.
• Project Management Formulas
Visit the following page to know more about the formulas in Critical Path Method (CPM).
• PMP Formulas on the Resources page.
Take the Critical Path Method Quiz
• Critical Path Method PMP Exam Questions
Follow @MilestoneTask 351 followers
Conclusion
To summarize, critical path analysis reveals network information such as critical path, total float, and activity float. This data forms the basis for further project execution. Moreover, other advanced schedule analysis techniques
use output of critical path analysis.
Google Bookmark Facebook Twitter Print More 614
Related
Schedule Network Analysis Methods
Project schedule network analysis is an analytical technique to identify critical path in a schedule network diagram and generate critical activities. It further specifies the degree of schedule flexibility in a given network logic.
The output of schedule network analysis is a schedule model. This project schedule model serves as…
June 1, 2018
In "Project Schedule Management"
Difference Between CPM and PERT
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method both are project schedule development and analysis techniques. Both these techniques establish the critical path in a schedule network diagram.
However, both CPM and PERT use different approach to arrive at the critical path and activity duration estimates. The following…
June 20, 2019
In "Project Schedule Management"
Critical Path Method Schedule Analysis
Critical path method in project management helps to identify a sequence of activities that requires close monitoring. This sequence of activities is known as critical path. It is the most important outcome of critical path method
(cpm) network analysis process. Hence, critical path method network analysis technique ensures that there…
September 21, 2017
In "Project Schedule Management"
Project Schedule Management Analysis, Control Schedule, Critical Path Analysis, Critical Path Method (CPM), Develop Schedule, Monitoring and Controlling, Project Management Processes, Solved Examples, Tools and
Techniques
18 thoughts on “Critical Path Analysis Solved Example”
1. Pingback: Critical Path Analysis Example - Writing Site
2. Pingback: Earned Value Management Example Problems • MilestoneTask
3. Pingback: Summary Task MS Project and WBS Differences | MilestoneTask
4. Pingback: Difference Between CPM and PERT | MilestoneTask
5. Pingback: Project Management Formulas for PMP Examination | MilestoneTask
6. Pingback: 15 Benefits of a Project Management Plan | MilestoneTask
7. Pingback: Daily Project Execution Plan Complete Guide | MilestoneTask
8. Pingback: Program Evaluation And Review Technique (PERT) | MilestoneTask
9. Pingback: Schedule Network Analysis Methods | MilestoneTask
10. Pingback: A Step-by-Step Guide To PMP Certification – MilestoneTask
11. Pingback: PMBOK Guide 6th Edition – An Overview of Changes – MilestoneTask
12. Pingback:
S H Analysis
AR E S of PMP Exam Questions – MilestoneTask
5 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
13. Pingback: Critical Path Analysis – Solved Example. — MilestoneTask – Atul Gaur
14. Atul Gaur says:
January 22, 2018 at 09:01
Reblogged this on Atul Gaur.
Reply
15. Pingback: Sequence Activities – Tools To Establish Logical Relationships. – MilestoneTask
16. Pingback: 20 Steps of Project Schedule Development Process – Part I – MilestoneTask
17. Pingback: Fundamentals of Project Planning and Scheduling – MilestoneTask
18. Pingback: Project Schedule Analysis Using Critical Path Method (CPM) – MilestoneTask
Leave a Reply
Enter your comment here...
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Post navigation
← Critical Path Method Schedule Analysis
Sequence Activities Tools and Techniques →
Popular Posts
•
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example
•
Lessons Learned Benefits and Importance
•
Project Selection Methods Top 5 Criteria
•
Variance Analysis In Project Management
•
Lessons Learned Register Example
•
Tools Techniques Group PMBOK 6th Edition
•
Net Present Value (NPV) Calculation Steps
•
Wrong Cost Estimates Implications Solutions
•
PMBOK 7th Edition Structure First Look
•
Earned Value Analysis Project Management
S H AR E S
6 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
Critical Path Analysis Solved Example • MilestoneTask https://milestonetask.com/critical-path-analysis-steps-example/#.YV_Ns...
About
MilestoneTask is an initiative to enhance project management knowledge by sharing experience gained. To know more Visit About
Resources
Blog consists of essential resources benefecial for project management professionals and pmp aspirants. To know more View Resources
Contact
Wish to contact Atul Gaur, send a twitter Direct Message or fill the Contact form.
Message
Follow Us
Like us on Facebook
Like 132 Share
Follow @MilestoneTask 351 followers
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Join 490 other subscribers
Email Address Email Address
Subscribe
Blog Stats
• 239,907 hits
Post Categories
Post Categories Select Category
Archives
Archives Select Month
Secondary Menu
• Sitemap
• Feed
• AGNet
S H AR E S
7 of 7 10/8/2021, 4:36 PM
