Critical Path Essential in Project Planning - Assignment Example

Critical Path in Project Planning In terms of creating a timeline, what is meant by the critical path of a PERT chart?The critical path in a PERT chart is the set of tasks that determines the total project duration. It represents the longest sequence of tasks in the project in which a delay results in a delay in the completion of the entire project. It is characterized by zero slack times, limited flexibility and tasks locked by task relationships (Luecke, 2004).1. (A) How would the manager go about prioritizing the problem existing in B, C or D?

The prioritization decision in this case is based on the whether the tasks experiencing problems are part of or not part of the critical path as established in the PERT chart. According to Reiss (2007), the sequence of choice is very important and starting with those problems in the critical path helps reduce any delays since the critical path dictates the total project duration. The author also argues that dealing with problems in the critical path is logical since tasks tackled later only have at their disposal the resources left by tasks undertaken before them.

Hence, there is need to prioritize the problems in the critical path to avoid resource deficiencies for critical tasks.(B) Should the manager address the issue in step B first, step C first, or step D first; why?Since Task B is an integral part of the critical path in the PERT chart, it takes the first priority over the C and D which are not part of the critical path. Problems in task B will cause undesirable slack times and delays in the critical path which in turn lengthens the total project time and attracts penalties.

Besides the fines and penalties, longer projects usually result in more costs and thus, efforts have to be placed on correcting problems in the critical path to avoid budget strains. As already stated earlier, the critical path has limited flexibility and thus problems in the tasks involved should receive the first priority. Tasks not in the critical path are mostly flexible; hence, C and D can be corrected later without any significant impacts on the total project time and costs.2. Once repair is completed in step #2, how would go you about prioritizing repairs at the other two steps?

The remaining problems in tasks C and D can be prioritized based on the project scheduling analysis. Here, the hierarchy of tasks in terms of which task is dependent on the other for the project to proceed according to plans will be used. Hence, the priority in solving problems in tasks C and D will be given to the task that should come prior to the other in the project schedule. According to Lester (2007), the project schedule entails time analysis and logical hierarchy, where the project management team determines which tasks require to be completed before other tasks.

It consists of establishing interdependencies, time analysis and identifying the key performance indicators for the given project. Hence, to determine which problem will be solved, the project manager will study the schedule already established for the project and identify which task between C and D should be undertaken first due to its hierarchy in the task interdependencies. This task will then be given the first priority. ReferencesLester, A. (2007), Project management, planning and control: managing engineering, construction and manufacturing projects to PMI, APM and BSI standards.

USA: Butterworth-Heinemann. Luecke, R. (2004). Managing projects large and small: The fundamental skills for delivering on time. USA: Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation.Reiss, G. (2007). Project management demystified. USA: Taylor and Francis.