Introduction
Developing a work breakdown structure (WBS) is an essential stage in project management that lays the groundwork for efficient project scheduling and control. Once the WBS is in place, a variety of tools and approaches can be used to schedule and manage the project efficiently. The critical path method (CPM), a project management method developed in the late 1950s, is one such tool (Danfulani et al., 2023).
A Real-Life Project with the Critical Path Method
The construction project by the Mosul Building Company in Yola North Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria, is an intriguing illustration of a project where CPM was effectively applied. The project involved building construction, with an initially anticipated 32-week completion period (Danfulani et al., 2023). The project’s duration was estimated using the CPM.
The technique involves identifying the jobs on the critical path that directly impact the project’s completion date. The project team utilized CPM to determine the order of tasks that required the longest completion time. The team identified which jobs had the least scheduling flexibility, thanks to this sequence, also known as the critical path.
The expected project length was significantly shortened due to the adoption of CPM in this project. The findings indicated that the project might be finished in 27 weeks, five weeks faster than the original estimate if CPM was used. This shorter project timeline may significantly reduce costs, especially labor expenditures (Danfulani et al., 2023).
This project’s application of CPM serves as an example of how project scheduling technologies can be utilized to optimize project deadlines and control costs. It is crucial to remember that the effective use of these tools necessitates a clear comprehension of the project’s activities and interdependencies. In the case of the Mosul Building Company, a thorough WBS that provided a clear perspective of all tasks involved in the project and their interdependencies made it easier to employ CPM.
Conclusion
In conclusion, project scheduling technologies like CPM can be highly beneficial in effectively managing projects. These insights provide project managers with the tools they need to enhance project schedules, manage costs effectively, and ultimately deliver successful projects. Additionally, these technologies encourage proactive decision-making, enabling managers to anticipate potential problems and implement preventive measures beforehand. This proactive strategy, made possible by techniques such as CPM, can significantly enhance project outcomes, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and overall project success.
Reference
Danfulani, U. B., Mohammed, M., Reuben, B. Z., Yakubu, J. A., & Digil, S. I. (2023). Application of critical path method (CPM) to optimal project scheduling: A case of Mosul building company, Yola North local government Adamawa state, Nigeria. Fudma Journal of Sciences, 7(3), 186–192. Web.