The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a method for determining the duration of implementation by establishing a network that is linked to the direction of activities and utilising basic time estimations for each action. Several terminologies are used throughout the critical route identification process, including:
The earliest (fastest) time an activity can begin, taking into consideration the projected activity time and the criteria for the sequence of activities carried out, is referred to as the Earliest Start Time (ES). The latest start time (LS) is the slowest time at which an activity may begin without delaying the entire project.
The earliest finish time (EF) is the time at which an activity can be finished, which is equal to ES Plus the predicted activity time.
The term critical path refers to activities that are very sensitive to delays in execution and are used to assess the level of policy priority in project implementation. CPM can offer information on activities that are completed first or later, the duration of activities, and the time it takes to delay an activity without increasing the total project duration.
The formula for calculating slack time is:
Sij= LSij -ESij or
Sij= LFij -EFij
Information:
LS : Latest start time
ES : Earliest start time
LF : Latest finish time
EF : Earliest finish time
The activities network on the CPM may be reflected as a base for project scheduling in the form of a Gantt Chart to prepare work breakdown structures and develop relations between activities.