Critical Path Method ( Cpm ) Technique - 1450 Words

CRITICAL PATH METHOD (CPM) TECHNIQUE Critical Path Method has been extensively used for planning and scheduling construction work for decades. As mentioned earlier, the study conducted by Tavakoli and Riachi (1990) results from responding industries has shown overwhelming satisfaction of using the CPM technique for planning and scheduling projects. The first steps in building the CPM technique is the activity list. Activity is defined as a task that consumes time and other resources for completing a project. For example, design and construct a podium is an activity, which may further be broken down into smaller manageable components such as drawing, sail types, podium type and paving depending on the size of the project. Example of an†¦show more content†¦A construction schedule will establish the number of days needed to complete the project including production rates, equipment. To obtain clarity in project scheduling experienced input is required in: interdependencies of tasks, their duration, other sensitivities (weather, location factors) logistics of material procurement, storage, construction equipment, HR resources, sourcing and up skilling and safety training, transport logistics, types, quantities, resource size and administrative procedures such as approval of drawing layout. The critical path method (CPM) is a scheduling technique determined by duration. The primary inputs are the project activities, their estimated durations, and reliance relationships. Activity durations are functions of the resources required for implementing each activity. The more established CPM technique is very suitable for certain type of projects for factoring-in risks associated with activities such as for example, those involving long lead-time and specifically designed and built heavy equipment and its site delivery logistics. CPM method gives an insight into risk management and thereby enabling better planning for contingencies. As an illustration of this class of projects – from Authors’ experience, large design, construct and install power projects requiring equipment such as transformers, generators, overhead cranes requires highly specialised expertise from manufacturers, which adds to the