3.3.4 Critical Path Analysis

Question 1

Define critical path analysis

Answer 1

Used to find the most efficient and cost-effective way of doing a complex project

Question 2

What are the circles on the network called?

Answer 2

Nodes

Question 3

What do nodes show?

Answer 3

Where one activity stops and another one begins

Question 4

What do the numbers in a node show?

Answer 4

The number of the node
EST - earliest start time of the next activity
LFT - latest finishing time of the activity

Question 5

How is EST worked out?

Answer 5

Add the duration of the previous activity to its EST.

Question 6

What is the EST of the first activity?

Answer 6

Always 0

Question 7

How is LFT worked out?

Answer 7

Calculated by working backwards from the final node.
The LFT of the final node is the same as it’s EST.
To work out the LFT of the node before, you minus the duration of the next activity from its LFT.

Question 8

Define float time

Answer 8

The length of time you can delay an activity without delaying the completion of the project

Question 9

How is float time calculated?

Answer 9

LFT - duration - EST

Question 10

Advantages of using CPA

Answer 10

- Stakeholders can see the total time frame for the project to be completed
- Parallel activities can be scheduled to save time
- Useful to decide when resources should be delivered

Question 11

Limitations of using CPA

Answer 11

- Based on estimates so not always accurate
- Drawing up a diagram is time consuming