💡 Today's 5 Core Techniques
Critical Path Method (CPM)
The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum project duration. Any delay on the critical path directly delays the project. Tasks on the critical path have zero float.
Crashing vs Fast Tracking
Crashing = adding resources to critical path tasks to shorten duration (increases cost). Fast Tracking = running tasks in parallel that were planned sequentially (increases risk). Both are schedule compression techniques.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
CPI = EV/AC (cost efficiency). SPI = EV/PV (schedule efficiency). CPI < 1 = over budget. SPI < 1 = behind schedule. EVM gives you an objective picture of project health at any point.
Analogous Estimating
Using actual data from similar past projects to estimate the current project. It is fast and high-level but less accurate. Best used in early phases when little detail is known.
Bottom-Up Estimating
Estimating each individual work package and rolling up to a total. It is the most accurate estimating technique but also the most time-consuming. Best used when detailed scope is defined.
Practice Scenarios
Your project's CPI is 0.75. What does this mean?