Network/critical path analysis - part 2

In this lesson

1. 0:00 Critical path analysis structure introduction
2. 2:16 Calculating earliest starting times step by step
3. 4:03 Handling multiple activities at single nodes
4. 6:06 Working backwards for latest starting times
5. 8:24 Understanding float and slack in scheduling
6. 12:00 Key benefits of critical path analysis

About this lesson

This is essential for Performance Management and Strategic Business Leader papers, where you need to identify project dependencies and understand which activities can be delayed without affecting the overall project timeline. You'll work through a practical example step by step. First, you'll map out activities and their durations across nodes, then calculate earliest start times by moving forward through the network—taking the highest value when multiple activities feed into a single node. Next, you'll work backwards to find latest start times, again selecting the lowest result when multiple paths converge. This reveals the critical path: activities with zero float that cannot be delayed without pushing back the entire project. The real power of critical path analysis emerges when you identify float or slack—the extra time some activities have before they impact the project deadline. Understanding which activities have flexibility and which are critical helps you allocate resources effectively and manage project risk. By the end, you'll see how this scheduling technique transforms abstract activity lists into a clear visual map of what drives your project timeline.

Duration: 13m