While there should be only one CP at any moment in time, the path changes as the project unfolds and tasks/deliverables are completed, cancelled or discovered. Multiple paths can also exist if the dependency model is faulty; the 'assumed' CP vs the 'real', invisible CP.
The only time a critical path would not change is if the project were perfectly modeled and executed exactly as planned, and even then the path becomes shorter and shorter as the completion date approaches. Saving Changes...
Thilo WackHead of Existing Product and Test Lab| optimedTholey-Hasborn, Germany
Agree with my peers: definitely yes. If you look at the whole project, then there can be more than one critical path but in your schedule at any given time there should be only one CP.
If you consider the variability of your duration estimates like e.g. with PERT than you can run scenarios and learn more about what might happen to the CP of your project. Saving Changes...
Oloruntoba OluwaponmilePM Consultant/Training Executive| Hybrid GroupGreat Manchester, United Kingdom
Yes.. But the Project manager should deploy sufficient scheduling tools to have one critical path as having more than one critical path increases the project risk.
Near critical paths can be available with effective watch list system.
...
1 reply by Cris Casey
Jul 11, 2017 8:44 AM
Cris Casey
...
While I agree with your intent, no tool will reveal missing pieces.
Over my career I've spent countless hours reviewing plans and dependencies with stakeholders and SME's, complete with "final" approval documents stating that the plan is correct. Without exception, after the plan has been approved and execution against it has commenced, new deliverables are identified which affect the CP, without changing scope.
And with technology-centered Scrum projects, the CP can change daily depending on the sophistication of the Product Owner, the experience of the team, and the organizational and technical infrastructures in place (or missing). IMHO, this is one of the Achilles heals of the Scrum method that require "out-of-method" efforts to stay on top of so as not to be blindsided.
Yes.. But the Project manager should deploy sufficient scheduling tools to have one critical path as having more than one critical path increases the project risk.
Near critical paths can be available with effective watch list system.
While I agree with your intent, no tool will reveal missing pieces.
Over my career I've spent countless hours reviewing plans and dependencies with stakeholders and SME's, complete with "final" approval documents stating that the plan is correct. Without exception, after the plan has been approved and execution against it has commenced, new deliverables are identified which affect the CP, without changing scope.
And with technology-centered Scrum projects, the CP can change daily depending on the sophistication of the Product Owner, the experience of the team, and the organizational and technical infrastructures in place (or missing). IMHO, this is one of the Achilles heals of the Scrum method that require "out-of-method" efforts to stay on top of so as not to be blindsided.
...
1 reply by Oloruntoba Oluwaponmile
Jul 11, 2017 9:29 AM
Oloruntoba Oluwaponmile
...
Wow.. Thanks so much for your contribution. Its made see it all in a different light.
Sure i am not yet has experienced as you are.
Good to hear from the a master.
Aside PMP certification which other certification would you advise I go earn to be a better project manager?
Regards...
Saving Changes...
Oloruntoba OluwaponmilePM Consultant/Training Executive| Hybrid GroupGreat Manchester, United Kingdom
Jul 11, 2017 8:44 AM
Replying to Cris Casey
...
While I agree with your intent, no tool will reveal missing pieces.
Over my career I've spent countless hours reviewing plans and dependencies with stakeholders and SME's, complete with "final" approval documents stating that the plan is correct. Without exception, after the plan has been approved and execution against it has commenced, new deliverables are identified which affect the CP, without changing scope.
And with technology-centered Scrum projects, the CP can change daily depending on the sophistication of the Product Owner, the experience of the team, and the organizational and technical infrastructures in place (or missing). IMHO, this is one of the Achilles heals of the Scrum method that require "out-of-method" efforts to stay on top of so as not to be blindsided.
Wow.. Thanks so much for your contribution. Its made see it all in a different light.
Sure i am not yet has experienced as you are.
Good to hear from the a master.
Aside PMP certification which other certification would you advise I go earn to be a better project manager?
Regards...
...
1 reply by Cris Casey
Jul 11, 2017 10:39 AM
Cris Casey
...
'OO' - thanks for the kind words.
While certification is useful (and in some cases required), the best advice I can give you to be a better PM is to embrace every project as a learning experience. This includes leaving your "comfort zone" to discover and try new methods and techniques. It also means taking a realistic view of where you failed to achieve the desired result and what, if anything, could have been done differently. I start every new project with at least one thing I want to improve (or fix).
Cert-wise (without knowing your experience level or industry focus), a PMP or Prince cert gives you the best overall grounding for foundational aspects of the profession.
You might also look at a CSM (Certified Scrum Master) or ITIL certifications if you are involved with software development or infrastructure projects. Each will give you a different perspective and set of tools.
Good luck!
Saving Changes...
Betsy GreenOnboarding Manager| TownNews.comMoline, Il, United States
To answer your question, let's take a step back and look at how you determine the critical path.
When you create your network diagram, you map tasks and their duration, linking those that are dependent upon each other. That will create all of your paths.
Next, you add up the duration of each path to see how long it will take.
The path with the longest duration is the critical path.
Is it possible that you could have more than one path with the same, longest duration? YES.
Tasks on the critical path must be monitored closely, because if one is delayed, your risk of the entire project being delayed is high. And so, if you have more than one critical path, your risk to timeline is even higher. Saving Changes...
Wow.. Thanks so much for your contribution. Its made see it all in a different light.
Sure i am not yet has experienced as you are.
Good to hear from the a master.
Aside PMP certification which other certification would you advise I go earn to be a better project manager?
Regards...
'OO' - thanks for the kind words.
While certification is useful (and in some cases required), the best advice I can give you to be a better PM is to embrace every project as a learning experience. This includes leaving your "comfort zone" to discover and try new methods and techniques. It also means taking a realistic view of where you failed to achieve the desired result and what, if anything, could have been done differently. I start every new project with at least one thing I want to improve (or fix).
Cert-wise (without knowing your experience level or industry focus), a PMP or Prince cert gives you the best overall grounding for foundational aspects of the profession.
You might also look at a CSM (Certified Scrum Master) or ITIL certifications if you are involved with software development or infrastructure projects. Each will give you a different perspective and set of tools.
