Applying CPM in Practice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let us understand the process of using the Critical Path in the Project. This concept is important for two reasons. First is that it will help you to understand Critical Path more deeply, and second is that you can analyze these steps to understand critical path examples, and implement them for your use-case. The path to finding the critical path is called the Critical Path Method (CPM). A typical process to find the Critical Path in the Project is discussed as shown below.

Step 1: Find what tasks to do for the project

Your Project may include different tasks related to end-user experience, designing the architecture, essential functional features, testing of the tasks, etc. Project Tasks are not just limited to this. There can be more tasks. These tasks, processes, and activities have to be identified so that we can get a high-level idea of the project.

Step 2: Find the sequence of the tasks

After you establish a high-level understanding of the tasks, you can now identify their flow. It means that you have to list what task should be performed and when. Here, you also have to identify the dependencies among the different tasks. Thus, you can easily know which task has to be performed first so that an accurate workflow can be set up.

Step 3: Know how long the tasks will take to complete

Now, you have to find the estimated completion Time for each task which is the total time from its start to the completion. It is important to find the estimation time with accuracy so that the precise flow of the project activities can be determined.

Step 4: Draw a Network Diagram to find multiple ways

The Project Network Diagram is the visual representation of the various possible paths from the beginning of the project to the completion of the project. It includes a Node that tells us about the various parameters of the Task such as Earliest Start Time, Earliest Finish Time, Latest Start Time, Latest Finish Time, and Float.

Step 5: Find the optimal way which is the Critical Path

Now, analyze different paths and then choose the optimal path. You have to find the path that contains the longest sequence of the project tasks and the minimum completion time for the project. The Critical Path that we selected contains all the crucial interdependent tasks in our project.

Step 6: Find which tasks can be delayed and how much

By finding the Critical Path, we are aware of the crucial tasks. Now, you have to analyze the non-crucial tasks which can be delayed. You also have to calculate their delay time without impacting the quality of the project.

The above steps have to be performed to find the critical path. Now, let us see practical examples of Critical Path in Project Management.

If you are looking for a step-by-step explanation of Critical Path, you do not need to look further. Our guide on the Critical Path covers how to implement this crucial concept in Project Management. By the end of the article, you will gain a clear understanding of the Critical Path with examples. So, you are on the right track to learn and implement the Critical Path Method for your Project.

While Managing a Project, professionals always focus on the practical implementation rather than the theoretical mastery of the topic. And, to find the Critical Path for Project too, we must gain a practical understanding so that we can identify the most crucial activities of the Project and manage the project timeline. Thus, examples and scenario-based understanding will help you to implement the Critical Path Method in your Project.

In this insightful blog, we will quickly learn about Critical Path in Project Management, not only using the definition but also some real-world examples. Let us start without any single point of delay.