Critical Path Method (cpm) And Network Analysis Training Course

Introduction

In modern project management, mastering Critical Path Method (CPM) and Network Analysis is indispensable for efficient planning, accurate scheduling, and robust control of complex projects. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip project managers, schedulers, and engineers with the advanced techniques and practical skills required to effectively utilize CPM for optimizing project timelines, identifying critical activities, and managing dependencies. Participants will gain a robust understanding of network diagramming, float analysis, schedule compression, and resource leveling, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with maximum efficiency. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world scenarios pertinent to the dynamic infrastructure, construction, and industrial sectors in Kenya, empowering you to achieve superior project predictability.

This project scheduling optimization course is crucial for professionals and organizations in Kenya striving to overcome delays, enhance productivity, and improve overall project predictability. Mastering CPM scheduling techniques, implementing network diagram analysis, and understanding float management are indispensable skills for navigating complex project interdependencies, mitigating risks, and achieving strategic objectives. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in project timeline management and resource-constrained scheduling, positioning your organization as a leader in efficient project delivery and driving sustained economic growth across East Africa.

Target Audience

• Project Managers
• Project Schedulers
• Project Control Engineers
• Planning Engineers
• Construction Managers
• Program Managers
• Anyone involved in project planning and execution

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of Critical Path Method (CPM) and project network analysis.
• Master the creation of accurate project network diagrams (AON and AOA).
• Learn to calculate early start, early finish, late start, and late finish dates for activities.
• Develop proficiency in identifying the Critical Path and critical activities.
• Understand the concept and application of total float and free float.
• Learn techniques for optimizing project schedules and reducing duration.
• Apply CPM for resource leveling and managing resource constraints.
• Understand the impact of project changes on the critical path.
• Explore advanced scheduling techniques like crashing and fast-tracking.
• Learn to use project management software (conceptual) for CPM analysis.
• Develop robust reporting and communication of schedule performance.
• Enhance decision-making for schedule-related challenges.
• Drive efficiency and predictability in project delivery through advanced scheduling.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Project Scheduling & Network Analysis module

• Overview of project planning and scheduling fundamentals
• Importance of robust scheduling for project success
• Introduction to project network diagrams and their purpose
• Distinguishing between AON (Activity-on-Node) and AOA (Activity-on-Arrow) diagrams
• Key terms: activity, event, precedence, successor, predecessor

Module 2: Building Project Network Diagrams module

• Steps for creating accurate AON diagrams
• Rules for drawing clear and logical network diagrams
• Identifying dependencies and relationships (Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start, etc.)
• Incorporating lead and lag times
• Practical exercises in network diagram construction

Module 3: Critical Path Method (CPM) Fundamentals module

• Definition and purpose of the Critical Path Method
• Forward Pass: calculating Early Start (ES) and Early Finish (EF) dates
• Backward Pass: calculating Late Start (LS) and Late Finish (LF) dates
• Identifying the Critical Path using calculations
• Understanding the implications of the critical path

Module 4: Float Analysis and its Application module

• Defining Total Float (TF) and Free Float (FF)
• Calculating TF and FF for all activities
• Interpreting float values for project flexibility
• Using float to optimize resource allocation and manage delays
• The relationship between float and critical activities

Module 5: Schedule Compression Techniques module

• Understanding the need for schedule compression
• Crashing: adding resources for cost-effective duration reduction
• Fast-tracking: overlapping activities for schedule acceleration
• Analyzing the trade-offs between time and cost
• Practical application of compression techniques

Module 6: Resource Leveling and Constraints module

• Understanding resource-constrained vs. time-constrained projects
• Techniques for resource leveling to optimize utilization
• Impact of resource constraints on the critical path
• Prioritizing activities under limited resources
• Introduction to resource-loaded schedules

Module 7: Schedule Baselines and Performance Measurement module

• Establishing a project schedule baseline
• Monitoring project progress against the baseline
• Variance analysis: planned vs. actual progress
• Updating the schedule based on actual performance
• Communicating schedule status to stakeholders

Module 8: Managing Changes and Their Impact on Schedule module

• Understanding the impact of scope changes on the critical path
• Re-sequencing activities due to unforeseen events
• Adjusting the schedule for delays and accelerations
• Implementing formal change control for schedules
• Maintaining schedule integrity throughout the project

Module 9: Advanced Scheduling Concepts & Risk module

• Introduction to Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
• Applying contingency and management reserves to schedules
• Incorporating schedule risk analysis (conceptual overview)
• Understanding float ownership and its implications
• Earned Schedule concept (brief overview)

Module 10: Practical Application and Software Integration module

• Hands-on workshops applying CPM and network analysis to case studies
• Conceptual overview of how MS Project/Primavera P6 perform CPM calculations
• Best practices for maintaining accurate schedules
• Troubleshooting common scheduling challenges
• Q&A and expert insights on specific scheduling issues in project environment

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.