The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a scheduling technique used for project planning that identifies the longest sequence of activities, known as the critical path, necessary to complete a project in the shortest time possible. It involves outlining all project tasks, determining their sequence, and assessing relationships between tasks to prioritize them efficiently. CPM is beneficial for identifying essential tasks, optimizing parallel activities, and allocating necessary resources.

3. What is CPM?
 ‘Path’ stands for sequence of activities.
 whereas ‘critical path’ is the sequence of activities with the longest
duration. It is the shortest time possible to complete the project.
Definition++:
 The critical path method (CPM) is a step-by-step technique for process planning .
 The Critical Path Method is a mathematically based algorithm for scheduling a set
of project activities (Further explained in picture).
 Any project with interacting individual activities can apply this method of scheduling.
 The Critical Path Method (CPM) keeps your projects on track.
 It is also known as ‘Critical Path Analysis’.

4. CPM Diagram:
CPM frames 3 things.
 All Activities related to the Project.
 Time Required for the completion.
 Relation between different activities.

6. Basic Steps:
The basic steps employed in CPM are:
 Determine required tasks
 List required tasks in sequence
 Create a flowchart including each required task
 Identify all critical and non-critical relationships (paths) among required
tasks
 Assign an expected completion/execution time for each required task
 Study all critical relationships to determine all possible alternatives or
backups for as many as possible

7. Benefits:…
Critical Path Analysis is an effective and powerful method of assessing:
1. †Tasks which must be carried out†.
2. Where parallel activity can be carried out. †
3. The shortest time in which a project can be completed. †
4. Resources needed to achieve a project. †
5. The sequence of activities, scheduling, and timings involved.†
6. Task priorities.