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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of critical path analysis (CPA)?
In a CPA network diagram, what does the circular node at the beginning signify?
Which of the following is NOT typically calculated using critical path analysis?
What does the term 'total float' refer to in the context of critical path analysis?
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Which of the following statements presents a limitation of using critical path analysis?
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What does the node number in a CPA diagram represent?
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How is the earliest start time (EST) determined at a node where two paths converge?
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What indicates the critical path in a CPA diagram?
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How is the total float calculated for a task?
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What is a significant limitation of Critical Path Analysis (CPA)?
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Study Notes
Critical Path Analysis (CPA)
- CPA is a management tool that helps businesses determine the duration of a project and calculate the minimum time needed to finish it.
- CPA diagrams are called network diagrams because they illustrate the interconnected tasks within a project.
Benefits of CPA for Businesses
- Helps to identify the critical tasks that must be completed on time to ensure timely project completion.
- Facilitates efficient resource allocation by highlighting tasks with limited flexibility.
- Allows for better project planning and monitoring by identifying potential delays.
Creating a CPA Diagram
- Begin with a list of project tasks, including their duration (time to complete) and preceding activities (tasks that must be finished before a task can start).
- Use a circular node to represent the project's start, with the number inside indicating the node number, not the start day.
- For each task, record the earliest start time (EST) and latest finish time (LFT) on the node.
Calculating Earliest Start Time (EST)
- The EST is the earliest day a task can start.
- When two nodes connect, choose the highest EST value.
Calculating Latest Finish Time (LFT)
- The LFT is the latest day a task can finish.
- When two nodes connect, choose the lowest LFT value.
Identifying the Critical Path
- The critical path is the series of tasks where the EST and LFT are the same in each node.
- Tasks on the critical path, if delayed, will directly delay the entire project.
Understanding Total Float
- Total float is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project's overall completion date.
- Total float is calculated by subtracting the task's duration and EST from its LFT.
Understanding Free Float
- Free float is the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the start date of the subsequent task.
- Free float is calculated by subtracting the duration of the current task and its EST from the EST of the next task.
Limitations of CPA
- All data in the CPA diagram is based on estimates and can quickly become unreliable, especially due to unforeseen factors like bad weather or supplier delays.
- Creating a CPA diagram can be time-consuming, potentially slowing down project initiation, especially for large projects.
- Resources considered flexible during planning may actually have limited flexibility in practice.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of Critical Path Analysis (CPA) to enhance your project management skills. This quiz covers the benefits of CPA, how to create a CPA diagram, and its application in project planning. Learn how CPA can help businesses manage time effectively and allocate resources efficiently.
