Project Management

Critical Path MethodCPM

A scheduling technique that finds the longest sequence of dependent tasks, which determines the shortest possible project duration.

The Critical Path Method (CPM) models a project as a network of dependent activities and computes the longest path through it. That path is "critical" because any delay on it delays the whole project, while tasks off the path have float (slack).

CPM tells the project manager exactly which tasks to protect and where compression effort pays off. It underlies Gantt chart scheduling and pairs with PERT for handling duration uncertainty.

Go Deeper
Critical Path Method guide→PERT guide→
Related Terms
PERT
A scheduling method that uses optimistic, likely, and pessimistic estimates to model task duration uncertainty.
Gantt Chart
A horizontal bar chart that shows project tasks against a timeline, with their durations, dependencies, and progress.
Critical Chain
A project scheduling method that accounts for resource constraints and protects the plan with aggregated buffers.
Work Breakdown Structure
A hierarchical decomposition of a project into progressively smaller, manageable deliverables and work packages.
Resource Leveling
Adjusting a project schedule to smooth resource demand and resolve over-allocations.

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