A method for determining the minimum project duration by identifying the critical path based on task interrelationships and duration. It assumes there is no wasted time for the activities that are on the critical path.
(see also PERT)
Other Definitions
Critical Path Method (CPM) –
A technique used to predict project duration by analyzing which sequence of activities has the least amount of scheduling flexibility .Early dates are figured by a forward pass using a specific start date and late dates are figured by using a backward pass starting from a completion date .(Wideman Comparative Glossary of Common Project Management Terms v2.1)
Critical Path Method (CPM) – A network analysis technique used to predict project duration by analyzing which sequence of activities (which path) has the least amount of scheduling flexibility (the least amount of float). Early dates are calculated by means of a forward pass using a specified start date. Late dates are calculated by means of a backward pass starting from a specified completion date (usually the forward pass ‘s calculated project early finish date). (Wideman Comparative Glossary of Common Project Management Terms v2.1)
