The term forward pass refers specifically to the essential and critical project management component in which the

project team leader (along with the project team in consultation) attempts to determine the early start and early finish dates for all of the uncompleted segments of work for all network activities. There are a number of purposes for he attempted early calculation of the early start dates and early finish dates for the project as well as the early start dates and the early finish dates for all activities that are contained within the project as a whole. Determination of the early start date and early finish date allows for the earliest possible allocation of the resources that may be need for completion of the project and the activities contained within. This refers primarily to the allocation of the project team and the expenditure of their resources, as well as the allocation and expenditures of man hours. Additionally, please see for further information on the term forward pass the definitions for schedule network analysis as well as the definition for backward pass. This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK

The phrase backward pass was originally used in the field, or more literally on the field, of sport. In one commonly used context, that of American Football, a backward pass is defined as an occurrence in which the quarterback throws the ball to a player that is currently positioned behind the point on the playing surface at which he currently stands, technically a violation of the rules of the sport. In terms of project management, a backward pass also tends to have a negative implication, as it implies lateness. A backward pass in the area of project management refers to the calculation of late finish dates and late start dates for the portions of schedule activities that have not been completed. This is determined by starting at the projects scheduled end date and working backwards through the schedule network logic. The end date may be set by the assigning party, or it may be determined through use of a forward pass. See also schedule network analysis. This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.