3.3.4 Critical Path Analysis (CPA)

• What does Critical Path Analysis (CPA) help to identify in project management?

  Critical path
• One key benefit of CPA is identifying dependencies
• Steps to identify activities and dependencies in CPA

  1️⃣ List all tasks required

  2️⃣ Determine the order of tasks

  3️⃣ Identify task dependencies
• In CPA, dependencies help create a clear sequence for project execution
• In an activity network diagram, activities are depicted as nodes
• What do arrows in an activity network diagram represent?

  Dependencies
• Steps to construct an activity network diagram

  1️⃣ List all activities

  2️⃣ Identify dependencies

  3️⃣ Connect activities with arrows
• In CPA, Activity A (Choose a venue) depends on no other activity, so it starts from the start
• What does a node represent in an Activity Network Diagram?

  Event or milestone
• Arrows in an Activity Network Diagram represent activities and their dependencies
• Steps to construct an Activity Network Diagram

  1️⃣ Draw a start node

  2️⃣ Draw arrows for initial activities

  3️⃣ Draw arrows for dependent activities

  4️⃣ Continue this process for all activities
• An Activity Network Diagram helps identify the critical path.
• What is the purpose of Critical Path Analysis (CPA)?

  Plan and schedule projects
• The critical path in CPA determines the earliest possible project completion time
• Identifying dependencies is a key benefit of Critical Path Analysis.
• Match the activity with its description:

  Market research ↔️ Identify customer needs

  Product design ↔️ Create product specifications

  Develop prototype ↔️ Build a sample product

  Launch product ↔️ Introduce to market
• In an activity network diagram, each activity is represented by a node
• The Earliest Start Time (EST) is the earliest possible time an activity can begin.
• What is an activity network diagram used for?

  Project's tasks and relationships
• An activity network diagram uses nodes to represent individual activities
• To create an activity network diagram, you must first list all activities and their dependencies.
• Steps to construct an activity network diagram

  1️⃣ List activities and dependencies

  2️⃣ Draw nodes for each activity

  3️⃣ Use arrows to show dependencies

  4️⃣ Add start and end nodes

  5️⃣ Label each node with the activity name
• In an activity network diagram, arrows are used to show dependencies
• What is the earliest start time (EST) of an activity?

  Earliest possible start
• The formula for calculating EFT is EST + Activity Duration
• What is the primary goal of critical path analysis (CPA)?

  Identify the critical path
• Critical path analysis helps reveal the relationships between activities.
• Match the benefit of CPA with its description:

  Dependency Identification ↔️ Reveals relationships between activities

  Time Efficiency ↔️ Helps optimize project timelines
• Identifying activities and dependencies is a critical step in CPA
• What does activity B depend on in the software development project example?

  Activity A
• In an activity network diagram, dependencies are shown using arrows
• Steps to construct an activity network diagram for the birthday party plan

  1️⃣ List all activities

  2️⃣ Identify dependencies

  3️⃣ Connect activities with arrows
• The activity network diagram allows for a clear understanding of activity sequences and dependencies in a project.
• What do nodes represent in an activity network diagram?

  Events or milestones
• Arrows in an activity network diagram represent activities and their dependencies
• What do nodes represent in an Activity Network Diagram?

  Events or milestones
• Arrows in an Activity Network Diagram represent activities and their dependencies
• Nodes in an Activity Network Diagram can represent the duration of activities.

  False
• Order the activities from the birthday party example based on their dependencies.

  1️⃣ Choose Venue (A)

  2️⃣ Send Invitations (B)
• The activity "Choose Venue" depends on nothing