Project Planning and Scheduling (CPM/PERT) - Concept Map
Network-Based Project Scheduling Methods
Related concepts
Critical Path Method (CPM)
Sub concepts
- Network diagram construction
- Activity dependencies
- Forward pass calculations
- Backward pass calculations
- Critical path identification
- Float and slack analysis
- Project compression and crashing
Relationship to central
Deterministic scheduling technique for identifying the longest activity sequence
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Sub concepts
- Three-point estimation (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic)
- Expected duration calculation
- Variance and standard deviation
- Probability of project completion
- Risk assessment in scheduling
Relationship to central
Probabilistic scheduling method for uncertain activity durations
Network Components
Sub concepts
- Activities (work packages)
- Events (milestones)
- Nodes and arrows
- Activity-on-node (AON)
- Activity-on-arrow (AOA)
- Dummy activities
Relationship to central
Building blocks of scheduling networks
Time Analysis
Sub concepts
- Early start (ES) and early finish (EF)
- Late start (LS) and late finish (LF)
- Duration estimation
- Activity sequencing
- Lead and lag relationships
Relationship to central
Core calculations for schedule development
Float and Scheduling Flexibility
Sub concepts
- Total float (TF)
- Free float (FF)
- Independent float
- Float consumption
- Float constraints and resource leveling
Relationship to central
Measures of scheduling flexibility for non-critical activities
Schedule Optimization
Sub concepts
- Crashing activities
- Fast-tracking
- Cost-duration trade-off analysis
- Resource leveling
- Resource-constrained scheduling
Relationship to central
Techniques to compress project duration and manage resources
Project Management Applications
Sub concepts
- Schedule baseline establishment
- Progress monitoring
- Schedule updates and revisions
- Earned value management integration
- Risk-based scheduling
Relationship to central
Practical uses in construction and engineering projects
Concept connections
- Critical Path Method CPMNetwork ComponentsCPM operates on networks composed of activities, events, and dependencies
- Network ComponentsTime AnalysisNetwork structure enables ES, EF, LS, LF calculations through structured activity sequencing
- Time AnalysisCritical Path Method CPMForward and backward pass calculations directly determine critical path through longest duration path
- Critical Path Method CPMFloat and Scheduling FlexibilityFloat calculations depend on CPM time values; critical activities have zero float
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique PERTTime AnalysisPERT three-point estimates convert to expected durations used in CPM calculations
- Critical Path Method CPMSchedule OptimizationCrashing focuses only on critical path activities to reduce project duration
- Schedule OptimizationProject Management ApplicationsOptimized schedules form the baseline for execution and progress monitoring
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique PERTFloat and Scheduling FlexibilityPERT variance calculations inform risk assessment of float buffers and schedule contingency
- Float and Scheduling FlexibilityProject Management ApplicationsFloat values guide resource allocation and schedule baseline establishment
- Network ComponentsCritical Path Method CPMNetwork logic provides the structure through which critical path is identified
- Time AnalysisFloat and Scheduling FlexibilityES, EF, LS, LF values directly calculate total and free float margins
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique PERTCritical Path Method CPMPERT results substitute for deterministic durations in CPM for probabilistic scheduling
Diagrams
CPM/PERT Concept Hierarchy - Complete Overview
Comprehensive mind map showing the hierarchical structure of CPM/PERT concepts. The root represents the central scheduling methodology, with six main branches covering network structure, critical path method, float analysis, PERT probabilistic approach, project compression techniques, and practical implementation in project management.
CPM Network Analysis Procedure - Step-by-Step Process
Step-by-step flowchart depicting the complete CPM network analysis procedure. Begins with activity definition, proceeds through network construction and validation, performs forward and backward passes, identifies the critical path, calculates float values, and includes an optional compression phase if schedule acceleration is required.
PERT Analysis and Probability Calculation Procedure
Detailed flowchart showing the PERT analysis workflow from gathering three-point estimates through to probability calculation. Demonstrates how uncertain durations are converted to expected values with variance, how these are integrated into CPM, and how probability analysis can be performed using the normal distribution.
Time Calculation Decision Tree - Which Formula to Apply
Decision tree guiding selection of appropriate time calculation formulas based on known parameters. Helps reviewees determine whether to use forward pass (EF = ES + d) or backward pass (LS = LF - d) formulas, and when to calculate float (TF = LS - ES or TF = LF - EF).
Forward and Backward Pass Interaction in CPM
Sequence diagram illustrating the interaction between forward pass, backward pass, and float calculations in CPM. Shows how early times feed into critical path identification, which informs backward pass execution, and how both early and late times combine in float calculations to determine criticality.
Crashing Decision Framework - When and How to Compress
Framework for project compression decisions showing when crashing is appropriate and the systematic approach to selecting which activities to crash. Emphasizes identifying critical path activities first, calculating cost-time trade-offs, and recalculating the network after each crash to detect path shifts.
Common CPM/PERT Errors and Prevention
Error prevention guide highlighting common mistakes in CPM/PERT analysis and their preventive measures. Covers misconceptions about critical path selection, float types, PERT formulas, probability analysis, and crashing strategies—all common board exam pitfalls for Philippine PRC reviewees.
Distribution of CPM/PERT Exam Question Types
Pie chart showing typical distribution of CPM/PERT question types in PRC Civil Engineer Licensure Examinations based on typical board exam patterns. Emphasizes that critical path and time calculations comprise 45% of questions, making mastery of forward/backward passes essential for board success.