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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 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.
The following figure represents PMBOK nomenclature for activity nodes in precedence diagram method.
Precedence Diagramming Method AON Nomenclature
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.
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 – 4.1 : 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.
Project Schedule Network Diagram Indicating Late Start and Late Finish
• 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
• 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
• Total Float = LS – ES or LF – EF
Once backward pass and total float calculation is complete the resultant network diagram will look as follows.
For tools and techniques to establish logical relationships between project activities, please read the following post.
Also read the following post for a comprehensive list of project management formulas for pmp examination.
Visit the following page to know more about the formulas in Critical Path Method (CPM).
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.