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Critical Path Method (CPM) in Project Management

By Fahad Usmani 124 Comments

If you have experience in project management, you might have heard about the critical path method (CPM) a project modeling technique
developed by Morgan R. Walker and James E. Kelly in late 1950 (Wikipedia).

The critical path method (CPM) is used extensively by project planners worldwide for developing the project schedule in all types of
projects including IT, research, construction.

This method is a basis of the project schedule and is discussed very broadly in the PMBOK Guide. You can expect to see two to three
questions, or more, in your PMP exam from this topic.

In this blog post, I will discuss the critical path with a real world example, identify the critical path in a network diagram, and calculate the
float for each path. I will then list some of the benefits and limitations of the critical path method.

Once you become familiar with it, I will walk you through every step required for calculating Early Start, Early Finish with forward pass,
and then calculate Late Start, Late Finish with backward pass.

Make sure you understand each step described, otherwise you might face some difficulties when working with these calculations. If you
feel you need any clarification, feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Critical Path
If you look at any network diagram, you will notice many paths originating from one point and ending at another point. Every path will
have some duration, and the path with the longest duration is known as the critical path.

The critical path can be defined in many ways including:

The longest path in the network diagram, or

The shortest duration in which the project can be completed.

Dont you think these two definitions are similar, but different, or are they opposite to each other?

No, in fact, both definitions are trying to convey the same message. They might seem opposite to you because the first definition is
talking about the longest path and the second definition is talking about the shortest duration.

However, they both are the same.

For example, lets say you received a project to build three buildings in one location. The first building is the largest building, the second
building is a medium sized building, and the third building is the smallest building.

You develop the network diagram which consists of three paths; each path resembles each building.

You calculate the duration for each path. For the first building, the duration is 31 months, the second building will take 18 months, and the
third building will require 13 months.

The first path represents the largest building, the second path represents the medium sized building, and the third path, the smallest
building.
Now, review the above diagram.

Did you notice that the path for the first building is the longest duration of all three? It is thirteen months longer than the second path, and
18 months longer than the third path. This means that if you start working on the first building, you can wait 13 months before working on
the second building because you can complete second building in 18 months.

Likewise, you could wait 18 months to start working on the third building because it will take only 13 months to complete. This means that
even if you start working on the third building after 18 months from the project start date, you can complete it on time.

This waiting period is known as float or slack.

So, which is the critical path in this network diagram of three paths?

Of course, it is the longest path on the network diagram, because you cannot complete your project before constructing the first building.
Although you can complete the other two buildings quickly, until you complete the first building, your project is not considered complete.

Hence, the critical path is the longest path on the network diagram.

Now, what is the shortest duration in which you can complete the project?

Sure enough, it is 31 months, because you cannot complete your project before 31 months, and this is the duration of the critical path.

Hence, the critical path is the shortest duration in which you can complete the project.

So, you see, both definitions are the same.

We can conclude that the critical path is the sequence of activities from start to end, and it has the laongest duration among all paths in a
network diagram.

In ideal conditions, a network diagram, and therefore, the project, should have only one critical path. However, if the network diagram has
more than one critical path, you will be in a difficult situation. In this case, you will have to manage more than one path in parallel.

As we know, the critical path has the longest duration, and its duration is known as the duration of the project. Since activities on a critical
path have no float or slack, no activity should be delayed. If this happens, the project will be delayed. However, if there are delays, you
can use a schedule compression tool, such as fast tracking or schedule crashing, to bring the project on track.

Visit: Fast Tracking and Crashing

Note: You must always update the network diagram if there is any change to it so that you can have a better understanding of activities
and predict the float, project completion dates, etc.

Procedure for Finding the Critical Path in a Network Diagram

The following is the procedure to find the critical path on a network diagram:

Draw the network diagram.

Identify all paths in the network diagram.
Find the duration of each path.
The path with the largest duration is the critical path.

Lets see the above procedure in action.

Example:
Based on the below network diagram, identify the total paths, critical path, and float for each path.

The above network diagram has five paths; the paths and their duration are as follows:

1. Start -> A -> B -> C-> End, duration: 31 days.

 2. Start ->D -> E ->F -> End, duration: 18 days.
3. Start -> D -> B -> C -> End, duration: 26 days.
4. Start -> G ->H ->I -> End, duration: 13 days.
5. Start -> G -> E ->F -> End, duration: 16 days.

Since the duration of the first path is the longest, it is the critical path. The float on critical path is zero.

The float for the second path Start ->D -> E ->F -> End = duration of the critical path duration of the path Start ->D -> E ->F -> End

= 31 18 = 13

Hence, the float for the second path is 13 days.

Using the same process, we can calculate the float for other paths as well.

Float for the third path = 31 26 = 5 days.

Float for the fourth path = 31 13 = 18 days.
Float for the fifth path = 31 16 = 15 days.

Calculate Early Start (ES), Early Finish (EF), Late Start (LS), and Late Finish (LF)
We have identified the critical path, and the duration of the other paths, its time to move on to more advanced calculations, Early Start,
Early Finish, Late Start, and Late Finish.

Calculating Early Start (ES) and Early Finish (EF)

To calculate the Early Start and Early Finish dates, we use forward pass; we will start from the beginning and proceed to the end.

Early Start (ES) for the first activity on any path will be 1, because no activity can be started before the first day. The start point for any
activity or step along the path is the end point of the predecessor activity on the path plus one.

Formula used for calculating Early Start and Early Finish dates.

Early Start of the activity = Early Finish of predecessor activity + 1

Early Finish of the activity = Activity duration + Early Start of activity 1

Early Start and Early Finish Dates for the path Start -> A -> B -> C -> End

Early Start of activity A = 1 (Since this is the first activity of the path)

Early Finish of activity A = ES of activity A + activity duration 1

= 1 + 10 1 = 10

Early Start of activity B = EF of predecessor activity + 1

= 10 +1 = 11

Early Finish of activity B = ES of activity B + activity duration 1

= 11 + 12 1 = 22

Early Start of activity C = EF of predecessor activity + 1

= 22 +1 = 23

Early Finish of activity C = ES of activity C + activity duration 1

= 23 + 9 1 = 31

Early Start and Early Finish Dates for the path Start -> D -> E -> F -> End

Early Start of activity D = 1 (Since this is the first activity of the path)
Early Finish of activity D = 1 + 5 1 = 5

Early Start of activity E = EF of predecessor activity + 1

Now there is a trick. Since the Activity E has two predecessor activities, which one will you select? You will select the activity with the
greater Early Finish date. Early Finish of activity D is 5, and Early Finish of activity G is 3 (we will calculate it later).

Therefore, we will select the Early Finish of activity D to find the Early Start of activity E.

Early Start of activity E = EF of predecessor activity + 1

=5+1=6

Early Finish of activity E = 6 + 7 1 = 12

Early Start of activity F = 12 + 1 = 13

Early Finish of activity F = 13 + 6 -1 = 18

Early Start and Early Finish Dates for the path Start -> G -> H -> I -> End

Early Start of activity G = 1 (Since this is the first activity of the path)
Early Finish of activity G = 1 + 3 1 = 3

Early Start of activity H = 3 + 1 = 4

Early Finish of activity H = 4 + 4 1 = 7

Early Start of activity I = 7 +1 = 8

Early Finish of activity I = 8 + 6 1 = 13

Calculating Late Start (LS) and Late Finish (LF)

We have calculated Early Start and Early Finish dates of all activities. Now it is time to calculate the Late Start and Late Finish dates.

Late Finish of the last activity in any path will be the same as the Last Finish of the last activity on the critical path, because you cannot
continue any activity once the project is completed.

Formula used for Late Start and Late Finish dates:

Late Start of Activity = Late Finish of activity activity duration + 1

Late Finish of Activity = Late Start of successor activity 1

To calculate the Late Start and Late Finish, we use backward pass; i.e. we will start from the last activity and move back towards the first
activity.

Late Start and Late Finish Dates for the path Start -> A -> B -> C -> End

On a critical path, Early Start, and Early Finish dates will be the same as Late Start and Late Finish dates.

Late Start and Late Finish Dates for the path Start -> D -> E -> F -> End

Late Finish of activity F = 31 (because you cannot allow any activity to cross the project completion date)

Late Start of activity F = LF of activity F activity duration + 1

= 31 6 +1 = 26

Late Finish of activity E = LS of successor activity 1

= LS of activity F 1
= 26 1 = 25
Late Start of Activity E = LF of activity E activity duration + 1
= 25 7 + 1 = 19

Late Finish of activity D = LS of successor activity 1

If you look at the network diagram, you will notice that activity D has two successor activities, B and E. So, which activity will you select?

You will select the activity with the earlier(least) Late Start date. Here, Late Start of activity B is 11, and Late Start of activity E is 19.

Therefore, you will select activity B which has the earlier Late Start date.

Hence,

Late Finish of activity D = LS of activity B 1

= 11 1 = 10

Late Start of Activity D = LF of activity D activity duration + 1

= 10 5 + 1 = 6

Late Start and Late Finish Dates for the path Start -> G -> H -> I -> End

Late Finish of activity I = 31 (because you cannot allow any activity to cross the project completion date)
Late Start of activity I = 31 6 + 1 = 26

Late Finish of activity H = 26 1 = 25

Late Start of activity H = 25 4 + 1 = 22

Late Finish of Activity G = 19 1= 18 (we will choose the late start of activity E, not activity H, because the Late Start of activity E is
earlier than the Late Start of activity H)

Late Start of activity G = 18 3 + 1

= 16

Calculate the Free Float

I have already written a detailed blog post explaining the total float and free float.

I strongly recommend you read my blog post on total float and free float to get a better understanding.

Visit: Total Float and Free Float

Formula for the Free Float:

Free Float = ES of next activity EF of current activity 1

Benefits of the Critical Path Method

The following are a few benefits of the critical path method:

It shows the graphical view of the project.

It discovers and makes dependencies visible.
It helps in project planning, scheduling, and controlling.
It helps in contingency planning.
It shows the critical path, and identifies critical activities requiring special attention.
It helps you assign the float to activities and flexibility to float activities.
It shows you where you need to take action to bring project back on track.

Although the critical path is very useful tool in project planning, it also has some limitations and drawbacks.

Limitations and drawbacks of the Critical Path Method

 Because the critical path method is an optimal planning tool, it always assumes that all resources are available for the project at all
times.
It does not consider resource dependencies.
There are chances of misusing float or slack.
Less attention on non-critical activities, though sometimes they may also become critical activities.
Projects based on the critical path often fail to be completed within the approved time duration.

To overcome these shortcomings of the critical path, the critical chain method was developed. In the critical chain method resource
constraints are also taken into consideration while developing the network diagram.

Visit: Critical Chain Method in Project Management

Summary
The critical path method has helped many project managers develop and manage their schedule. In the critical path method, you will
draw a network diagram with multiple paths. The path with the longest duration is known as the critical path. During your project
execution your main emphasis will be on this path, because this is the longest duration path and the duration of this path will be duration
of the project.

As a project manager you have to keep an eye on your network diagram and take prompt corrective action whenever necessary.

Here is where this blog post ends. I hope you have enjoyed reading it.

If you are interested in learning all the mathematical formulas for the PMP exam, you can try my PMP Formula Guide. You can also try
my PMP Question Bank and PMP Mock Test to practice PMP exam sample questions.

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Comments

brave says
February 2, 2014 at 12:47 PM

Great job, it helps me a lot on the Critical Paths definition, i strongly agree with Fahad what he said.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 11, 2014 at 11:18 AM

Thanks brave for your comment.

Reply

harishchandra says
June 27, 2016 at 11:04 AM

Lot of thanks I am the MBA 2nd Sem. Student . When I was seen the I can not under standbut you are clearly defined about
CPM problem is solution its gives me to better ideas.thanks once again..

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

June 30, 2016 at 10:54 AM

You are welcome Harish.

Reply

k says
October 31, 2016 at 1:21 PM
 this was helpful

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

October 31, 2016 at 4:08 PM

Thanks K for your comment.

Reply

chandra says
November 23, 2016 at 5:54 PM

can u explain it including lag also

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

November 30, 2016 at 1:17 PM

In next update, I will try to add a more complex example.

Reply

Gary says
January 17, 2017 at 7:31 AM

Hi Fahad,
First, Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it is greatly appreciated!
I recently took the PMP exam. In the exam they have a different way of representing the PNDs questions they do not look like what
you are showing here especially the tables. Can you show different styles of tables and diagrams?
Thanks

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

January 18, 2017 at 7:54 AM

Can you provide me any example of it?

Reply

Sayed Qasim says

February 10, 2014 at 8:17 AM

Excellent posts, Please continue.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 11, 2014 at 11:19 AM
 Thanks for stopping by

Reply

Jim McK says

February 12, 2014 at 11:46 PM

While calculations using the Day 1 method are quite simple, do you not believe that calculating the Critical Path is less involved using the Day 0
method? I know that both are correct and perhaps its just a matter of preference but it just seems to me that Day 0 allows you to do the calculation
on sight and you dont have to track +/- days. That being said, I am studying for my PMP exam and would appreciate guidance if I am not looking at
this issue the way I should be.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, advice & direction.

Jim McKinney

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 13, 2014 at 2:44 PM

It is your choice whether you chose to start for 0 or 1. I only followed the convention used by the PMBOK guide.

Moreover, it sounds good when you say: Hey! today is my first day of the project, instead of saying Hey! today is my zero day of the
project

Reply

Donald says
February 18, 2016 at 9:18 AM

I am thankful for your great work Mr Fahad. it really helped me in my project management course.

thanks.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 21, 2016 at 1:42 PM

You are welcome Donald.

Reply

Malone says
February 13, 2014 at 3:10 PM

I am a beginner. For me this article is like a boon. You made the concept of CPM look so easy. Look forward to many more such articles. Good
Going.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 14, 2014 at 8:48 PM

Thank you Malone for your comment.

 Reply

sam saba says

March 6, 2014 at 11:30 PM

I already recommended this article to my classmates . we are taking scheduling and cost control course.
I like it , and my friends too. It is simple and easy to understand the concept. Thanks .

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

March 8, 2014 at 3:38 PM

Thanks.

Let me know if you want me to write on any topic.

Reply

Bayu Gebeyehu says

June 18, 2015 at 3:34 PM

It an interesting approach you did and it was more friendly to understand

Keep it up
Many thanks

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

June 19, 2015 at 11:04 AM

Thanks Bayu for your comment.

Reply

senedu says
November 2, 2015 at 10:02 PM

Thank so much. It is very helpful.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

November 3, 2015 at 2:06 PM

You are welcome Senedu.

Reply

Aj says
March 18, 2014 at 2:08 AM

Fahad,
Thanks for a great article. I am currently in a project management/operations management course and am struggling with the assignment. Would
you be willing to take a look and maybe give me some advice on how to proceed?
Thanks,
AJ

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

March 18, 2014 at 12:38 PM

You can send me mail at fahad@pmstudycircle.com

Reply

Emmanuel says
March 21, 2014 at 4:53 PM

This article offers a simplistic approach to CPM, I really enjoyed reading it.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

March 23, 2014 at 8:08 AM

Thanks Emmanuel

Reply

May okpere says

June 10, 2014 at 4:35 AM

Brilliant write up! I really enjoyed your write up &lots of doubts have been cleard up Glad I found your site before my exams .can you enlighten me
on the limitations of network diagrams? Many thanks.keep the good works up.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

June 11, 2014 at 7:28 AM

If the project is large and complex with many activities and relationship, it might get difficult to manage and take proper control on it.

Reply

Som says
June 14, 2014 at 4:28 PM

Excellent post Fahad. Very well explained.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

June 15, 2014 at 7:25 AM

Thanks Som for your comment.

Reply
mbali says
July 29, 2014 at 1:30 PM

Hi guys,

i am a lady from South Africa and I am struggling with this subject on critical path. can you kindly help me in drawing the network diagram for the
following

activity Days Immediate predecessor

A 10
B 11
C 9 A,B
D 5 A,B
E 8 A,B
F 13 C,E
G 5 C,D
H 10 G
I 6 F,G
J 9 E,H
K 11 J

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

July 29, 2014 at 3:08 PM

Please check your email.

Reply

nikunj dudhatra says

May 1, 2016 at 8:38 AM

Plz send me also solution

Reply

Muzi Khathide says

August 15, 2014 at 10:18 AM

Im halfway through the article, will finish when im at home but wanted to commend you on a job well done Fahad.

Getting so much understanding. Im writing my CAPM exam in two weeks time and this is helping clear some things up.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

August 15, 2014 at 1:12 PM

Im glad you find it useful.

Reply

Mohammed Ezaz says

August 28, 2014 at 3:42 PM

Hi Fahad,
First of all, thanks a lot for this wonderfull post, One small doubt,
As per my understanding, Activity A,D & G are starts in Parellel, If yes then how the float period for Activity G =2 was it not 7?
7 since Activity A ends on 10th day and G early end on 3 so difference is 7.
Same calculation holds good gor Activity D which is correct (Float=5).

Thanks in Advance
-Ezaz

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

August 29, 2014 at 1:23 PM

Please refer my blog post on total float and free float:

https://pmstudycircle.com/2013/03/total-float-versus-free-float/

Reply

Rajesh says
January 5, 2015 at 6:55 AM

Hi Fahad,

Could you please help me in solving the below CPM question with FF Lag

http://www.oliverlehmann.com/pmp-self-test/75-free-questions.htm

Ques 31.

. Activity 1 has a duration of 20 days, activity 2 of 10 days, activity 3 of 5 days and activity 4 of 6 days.

What is the minimum total duration between the milestones A and B?

36 days
37 days
39 days
42 days

Thanks,
Rajesh

Reply

Tauseef Qureshey says

February 15, 2015 at 7:55 AM

Can we increase Float or Slack for the other paths by using Schedule Compression techniques i.e Crashing Techniques or Fast tracking technique
in the other paths?

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 16, 2015 at 9:13 PM

Reducing duration of other paths does not make sense because duration of the critical path is the duration of your project.

In crashing or fast tracking, your aim is to decrease the duration of the critical path.

Reply

Zeeshan Azhar says

February 25, 2015 at 9:42 PM

Simplest step by step learning of CPM.

Thumbs up Fahad!

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 28, 2015 at 11:48 AM

Thanks Zeeshan.

Reply

Muhammad Anjum says

March 1, 2015 at 6:54 AM

In CPM networking, we normally consider FS relationship with 0 lag. But in actual working we also use FF , SS and SF links with some value of lag
time. So, in this case, how shall we calculate our network diagram (early & late dates, total & free float) ?
Will u you please give any example of it to understand the concept better ?

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

March 1, 2015 at 1:31 PM

I will add these cases when I will update this blog post.

Reply

Santosh says
April 2, 2015 at 12:17 AM

Hi Fahad,

Does PMP exam asks such calculation questions on CPM/Forward Pass/Backward Pass?

Thanks,
Santosh

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

April 2, 2015 at 7:36 AM

Yes.

Reply

yousef says
April 2, 2015 at 2:58 PM

the answer is 42 days

Reply

Roger says
April 23, 2015 at 3:11 PM

Hi Fahad,
I will have exam about construciton planning and cpm calculation.. I have basic information, I can cpm calculating by Arrow and Node diagram. But I
am confused when there are limited resouce. In the last exam, My Instructer gaves question about construciton designing and gave construction
calendar. In the question, there are three floor , and second floor depended first, third floor depended second floor. Also limited resource. I can t
solve this. Please help me about this questions I cant find any resources or example about it.
In adddition, she asked quesiton about designin birdge and she wants cpm calculations. But she didnt give dependence. So ? must learn steps of
designin bridge.
Thanks..

vathan1234@gmail.com

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

April 24, 2015 at 5:17 PM

First of all, make a list of all activities, then find the dependencies. After it, draw the diagram and then you can apply the resources.

Reply

turan says
April 27, 2015 at 8:10 PM

how can ? apply resources?

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

April 30, 2015 at 8:41 AM

For example lets say that an activity requires two people to complete the work in two days but after reviewing the resources
you find that you have only one worker available at that time, so you may increase the duration of the activity to four days to in
your diagram.

Reply

LWarren says
May 6, 2015 at 5:14 AM

When a task has two successors, which successor task do you use to calculate Free Float on the predecessor task. For example, in your diagram,
to calculate the Free Float for task D, would you use the ES for task B or task E in the calculation?

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

May 8, 2015 at 1:23 PM

Please read my below given blog post on free and total float, It explains everything in detail:

https://pmstudycircle.com/2013/03/total-float-versus-free-float/

Reply

Holly says
May 11, 2015 at 11:09 PM

I am studying for my PMP exam. i thought i understood the CPM when explained in class. but after i studied your post, i just wished you were my
teacher!!

Thanks a million.. you are the best!

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

May 12, 2015 at 10:05 AM

Thanks Holly for your comment. Let me know if you need any further help for your PMP exam preparation.

Reply

Tauseef Qureshey says

May 12, 2015 at 3:44 PM

How we can have more than one critical path, if we do then how we can manage more than one critical path and which critical path will represent
project duration?

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

May 17, 2015 at 2:02 PM

If the duration of two path is same, you will have two critical path and you have to manage both of them. The duration of these path will be
the duration of the project (both duration will be the same).

Reply

Erastus Nyagah says

June 2, 2015 at 10:50 PM

am doing a project and all my tasks are shown as critical. What could be amiss

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

June 5, 2015 at 12:31 PM

Do you mean that all paths are having equal duration?

Reply

vetuu says
July 12, 2015 at 11:07 PM

i am a lady from South Africa and I am struggling with this subject on critical path. can you kindly help me in drawing the network diagram for the
following:
A 2-
B 4-
CB5
DA4
E A,C 6
F B,D 2
G 5-
H E,F,G
IA3
J I,H,2
K,H 4
L,J,K 6
M,F,L,I 4
N,L 5
O,N,D,M 6
P,M 2
Q,O,P,M 3
R,N,Q 5
S,O 2

Reply

Madhan says
July 26, 2015 at 2:05 PM

I liked the way you have explained, very simple and easy to understand.
I would like to know about PERT also , please share the link

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

July 26, 2015 at 11:06 PM

Here is the link of the blog post on PERT:

https://pmstudycircle.com/2013/08/pert-program-evaluation-and-review-technique/

Reply

kisholoy says
July 31, 2015 at 9:18 AM

Thanks a lot for this hard work , It clears all the doubts about Critical , great job
kisholoy

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

August 7, 2015 at 1:46 PM

You are welcome Kisholoy.

Reply

Sumant says
August 6, 2015 at 4:11 PM

Hi Fahad ,

Thanks for this , it is self sufficient and self explanatory, but what is the Total float and Free float in this example.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

August 7, 2015 at 1:46 PM

You can read below given blog post for total float and free float:

https://pmstudycircle.com/2013/03/total-float-versus-free-float/
 Reply

Tessy says
August 19, 2015 at 2:28 PM

This really helped a lot. Your explanation made it so easy and understandable.

Pls keep up the good work.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

August 19, 2015 at 10:48 PM

Thank you Tessy for your comment.

Reply

Sarah says
September 1, 2015 at 5:34 PM

Pls fahad really need help on drawing this network diagram tried but not so sure if its correct and its really urgent its an assignment at
school.thanks
Activity preceeding activity duration
A. _. 11
B. _. 8
C. _. 14
D. A,B. 15
E. D. 6
F. E. 14
G. E. 12
H. F. 4
I. G,H. 13
J. G,H. 10
K. H. 12
L. I. 6
M. J,K,L. 5
N. J,K,L. 7
O C,M,N. 15
P. O. 3
Q. O. 4
R P,Q. 7

Determine the project duration and what are the chances that d project would be completed in 85 weeks after the commencement of work

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

September 3, 2015 at 8:35 AM

I will check the email and let you know.

Reply

Matt says
September 25, 2015 at 8:09 PM

Hi!
Will the last forward pass calculation for the final activity end up being the largest number out of all of the forward pass calculations? I recently did a
problem where the last forward pass calculation wasnt the largest number of all of the forward pass results. Maybe I made a math error?

Thanks

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

September 27, 2015 at 6:28 PM

Hello Matt,

I have replied to your email.

Reply

Lauren says
October 5, 2015 at 5:58 PM

Great explanation and example!

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

October 13, 2015 at 11:17 AM

Thanks Lauren for your comment.

Reply

vinod says
October 6, 2015 at 8:41 AM

Hi sir i have doubt in definition of critical path You have said that path with the longest duration is known as the critical path. and after that you have
given other definition as critical path is shortest duration in which the project can be completed. You have use both shortest and longest duration
please clarify me this point

Reply

vinod says
October 6, 2015 at 8:47 AM

sorry my bad i post that comment before reading the explanation that you have given. actually u have given clear explanation about the doubt that i
have in the blog only sorry for that comment.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

October 13, 2015 at 11:18 AM

No problem.

Reply

Saqib says
November 20, 2015 at 9:24 AM
Assalam-O-Alikum Fahad
can there be more than one CP in Network ? if Yes then pls share some example in below format so that i can design the CPM and find out the
more than one CP at my own. Thank you

Activity Description Predecessors Time (days)

A Initial Paperwork 3
B Build Body A 3
C Build Frame A 2
D Finish Body B 3
E Finish Frame C 7
F Final Paperwork B,C 3
G Mount Body to Frame D,E 6
H Install Skirt on Frame C 2

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

November 20, 2015 at 12:49 PM

Okay, I will try to update this blog post to include this information.

Reply

Saqib says
November 20, 2015 at 9:54 AM

AA Fahad
i want to know can there be more than one critical path in a Network? if yes pls share an example so that i can find out by my own the multiple CPs.
thank you

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

November 20, 2015 at 12:49 PM

If you have more than one critical path, the risk will be more and you have watch-out for both paths.

Reply

Tauseef Qureshey says

January 17, 2016 at 6:57 AM

How we can find out Free Float for the activities by Backward Pass method. In you PMP Formula guide only Forward Pass Method is mentioned.
Can you let me know how free float can be calculated from Backward Pass Method. with examples.

Thank you very much for this

Allah Hafiz

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

January 18, 2016 at 11:19 AM

Here is the complete blog post on total float and free float:

https://pmstudycircle.com/2013/03/total-float-versus-free-float/

Please read this blog post.

Reply
YB says
January 21, 2016 at 6:27 AM

Hi Fahad,
Excellant presentation, i like your simple explaination with the simple realistic examples. great job!

for LS and LF formulas I think it important to show the brackets

for example;
Late Start of activity F = (LF of activity F activity duration) + 1
= 31 6 +1 = 26 this is correct representation

if same formula without bracket could be interpreted as

Late Start of activity F = LF of activity F activity duration + 1
= 31 6 +1
=31-7 =24 which is incorrect.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

January 22, 2016 at 2:08 PM

Sign of 6 is negative and 1 is positive, they are never going to be added to each other regardless the positions of brackets.

Reply

YB says
January 23, 2016 at 6:34 AM

ofcourse, I was making point that there chance of error is less and easier to remember, as some books start with zero as first day.
thanks again.
You have very good skill of presentation.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 8, 2016 at 7:35 AM

It is your personal choice, you are free to follow your choice.

Reply

MJ says
February 13, 2016 at 9:20 PM

HI

I am about to give the PMP test for the second time. In my first exam there was a network diagram in the question that just had the activities A B C
D etc, however it never used the term Start or Finish. Was PMI trying to trick me there. should the reply be like unable to determine as this was
one of the options

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 14, 2016 at 7:42 AM

Type of dependency is needed to draw a network diagram. In your case I think unable to determine will be the right answer.
 Reply

Mwamba says
February 19, 2016 at 10:03 AM

Good morning Sir, am a lady from Zambia and I am struggling with this subject on critical path. Please help with the steps to follow when drawing
the network diagrams. I have noticed you are quiet good with this topic. God bless you.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 21, 2016 at 1:55 PM

Okay Mwamba, I will soon update this blog post to accommodate your request.

Reply

Mbali Khumalo says

March 5, 2016 at 6:43 PM

Greetings Fahad.

If I have two paths with a slack/float of zero but with different durations, which one is the critical path?

Regards
Mbali

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

March 8, 2016 at 8:16 AM

This means both paths are having same duration and so both of them will be critical paths.

Reply

Ferguson says
March 16, 2016 at 2:18 PM

Thanks this will definitely help.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

March 17, 2016 at 8:10 AM

You are welcome Ferguson.

Reply

ks says
May 15, 2016 at 6:25 AM

Late Finish of activity F = 31 (because you cannot allow any activity to cross the project completion date)

I dont understand the above statement. I thought the LF of the F should be same as EF on the backward pass.
How is it 31.
Same goes with activity I.

Please explain the LF on activity F and I.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

May 16, 2016 at 8:19 PM

Since the project finishes on 31 therefore you can not allow any activity on any other path to complete after 31.

Reply

Anand says
September 8, 2016 at 9:59 AM

Hi
Can you Please answer of this Question ?

The duration of activity B is 25 days , the early start is day 20 and the late start is day 30 . activities C, D and H all have a finish to start dependency
with this activity. Activity H is a critical activity. This implies that activity B.

A) is also a critical activity as H can only begin once B is completed

B) must be completed by day 45 to avoid delaying H

C) Does not lie on the critical path

D) has a float of 25 days

E) is not critical and therefore can not be connected with activity H

Reply

mercy says
September 30, 2016 at 10:34 PM

hi, i am a beginner and found this very helpful since i am an e-learner

thank you!

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

October 3, 2016 at 7:32 AM

You are welcome Mercy.

Reply

Ritu Palod says

October 21, 2016 at 9:02 AM

great explanation.really helped

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

October 23, 2016 at 10:46 PM
 Thanks Ritu.

Reply

Charlotte Prinsloo says

December 1, 2016 at 3:42 PM

Task Predecessor Duration (days)

A Start 5
BA5
CA6
D B,C 13
EB6
FD4
GC9
H E,F, &G 2

Hi Fahad. please assit me with diagram, i am struggling and came to your blog whilst searching for guidance, I am a lady and is studying part time,
this is part of my assignment, PLEASE HELP.

thanking you in advance

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

December 4, 2016 at 1:50 PM

Send me your question on my email, I will try to reply you.

Reply

SYM says
January 3, 2017 at 6:46 AM

This was superbly helpful! Thank you!!!!

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

January 3, 2017 at 9:51 AM

You are welcome Sym.

Reply

Satish Avate says

February 16, 2017 at 6:41 PM

Very good information on CPM,

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 18, 2017 at 5:31 PM

Thanks Satish for your comment.

Reply
Khan says
February 17, 2017 at 6:29 PM

what a info u share Heads off dear

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

February 18, 2017 at 5:32 PM

Thanks Khan.

Reply

Andy Kaufman, PMP says

April 18, 2017 at 7:22 PM

This is a GREAT post. Thank you for explaining it so clearly, Fahad. This video is offered as a supplement, for your consideration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Lo4zsB-bjE

It also uses the +1/-1 approach instead of the starting with zero.

Thank you again for the tremendously helpful assistance you are providing people!

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

April 19, 2017 at 7:30 AM

Thanks Andy.

Reply

Gail says
May 13, 2017 at 11:12 PM

Dear Fahad,

Thank you very much for posting your article.

I am in researching CPA for my exam next week and struggling to find the answers to questions such as

What difficulties does CPA face?

Where CPA can go wrong?
Case studies where CPA has not worked
Analyse and evaluate the limitations of CPA?

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

May 14, 2017 at 10:10 AM

Read this blog post:

https://pmstudycircle.com/2014/02/critical-chain-method-ccm-in-project-management/

Reply
Shafiq Ur Rehman says
May 16, 2017 at 1:18 AM

Hi Fahad,

Thanks for your all post about CPM.

Can you please share your email and do you have any mock tests for practice that we can purchase.

Thanks

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

May 19, 2017 at 9:56 AM

You can details of my mock test here:

https://pmstudycircle.com/pmp-question-bank/

Reply

Lucern says
July 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM

I have one question on Project Time Management.

Question is:
A schedule activity may begin 10 days before the predecessor activity finishes.
This is an example of:
a. Finish -to-Start
b. Start-to-Finish
c. Start-to-Start
d. Finish-to-Finish

What is the answer and why?

Thanks in advance.

Reply

Fahad Usmani says

July 24, 2017 at 10:51 AM

Finish to Start with ten days lead.

Reply

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