Critical Path Analysis


	Critical Path Analysis
	Advantages Calculates the earliest time when the project should be completed. (Important info for customers for the launch) Helps the manager decide whether the deadline can be made. Can identify Critical Activities which must be completed in time to get the project finished. Helps to focus on particular activities so they do not overrun. Float time can be calculated on non-critical activities. It might not matter if this overruns. Implements just in-time ordering. Network analysis shows the earliest start times for each activity.	Disadvantages Only an estimate for the expected duration. Maybe wrongly identified. Managers potentially too optimistic particularly if nothing has been carried out before. If JIT is used for the delivery of materials the ability to complete the project will depend on the reliability of suppliers. It only shows the quickest way to complete a project and does not guarantee that this is the right project to undertake.
	Evaluation

Calculates the earliest time when the project should be completed. (Important info for customers for the launch)
Helps the manager decide whether the deadline can be made.
Can identify Critical Activities which must be completed in time to get the project finished.
Helps to focus on particular activities so they do not overrun.
Float time can be calculated on non-critical activities. It might not matter if this overruns.
Implements just in-time ordering.
Network analysis shows the earliest start times for each activity.

Only an estimate for the expected duration. Maybe wrongly identified.
Managers potentially too optimistic particularly if nothing has been carried out before.
If JIT is used for the delivery of materials the ability to complete the project will depend on the reliability of suppliers.
It only shows the quickest way to complete a project and does not guarantee that this is the right project to undertake.

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