The Critical Path for Joes Toy Company - Essay Example

The critical path is useful in tracking activities and ensuring that the various phases of the project occur within the stipulated time limits. Since each node in the critical path indicates the completion of a particular phase and also indicates the various paths of activity that have been undertaken for completion of that phase, it helps to clearly identify which elements of the plan are still incomplete and have to be incorporated into the next stage of the critical path. This method also helps to get the most important jobs done first.

According to the critical path for Joe’s toy Company, there are certain elements that may be combined and implemented at the same time. For example, although the time Joe had originally allotted for funding and finalizing engineering is one week each, these projects can occur concurrently and be completed in one week to gain time. Also, the time required for building dies and tools, which was projected to be 12 weeks could be shortened further by investing more so that work continues during weekends.

Further, Joe could also consider hiring another builder apart from Steve and diving the work between them so that project time is reduced. Two separate phases of a particular program can occur concurrently, as demonstrated in the critical path diagram. For example, establishing the advertising program and commencing initial promotional efforts can occur simultaneously with the procurement of equipment and building. Also, two different phases can be interlinked – such as project funding and engineering design, to which advertising campaign design may also be added.

Debugging processes can occur simultaneously with a training of workers, through interlinking in the critical path. Interlinking of projects is useful, mainly from the point of view of shortening the time frame required for completion of the projects. Since wages and salaries paid over a longer period can mean increased expenses, such interlinking is useful in conserving finances through optimum use of time. Secondly, adequate time and attention can be given to each phase of the project when they are occurring concurrently.