Chapter 4

Schedule Calculations
Computer Support for Successful Project Management: Using MS
Project 2016 with Construction Projects by Ulhas M. Samant
Understanding Relevant Terms
Critical Path: Critical Path is the longest path through a project network. It, therefore determines the

earliest completion of the work

Free Float: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start date of its

successor.

ES: Early start

LS: Late start

EF: Early Finish

LF: Late finish

Critical Path Computations

B C
3 weeks 8 weeks

E
A End
Start 5 weeks
3 weeks

D
6 weeks

3
Computation of Total Float

Duration
ES EF

Float

LS LF

Float= LS-ES OR Float=LF-EF

4
 Forward Pass and Backward Pass

6 6 14
3
B- 3 weeks C-8 weeks
6 6 14
3

0 3 14 19
Start A- 3 weeks E-5 weeks End
0 3 14 19

3 9
D-6 weeks
8
14

5
 Critical Path & Slack in MSP

Click on the Format tab and from the Bar styles

group, click Critical Path check box

Select the Format tab and then click the Slack

check box from Bar Styles group. Lines indicating
slack get displayed. If you move the cursor on these
lines, corresponding slack information gets
highlighted
Critical Tasks & Slack in MSP

Check these boxes for slack etc.