Example:

The preparation of a critical path method diagram of the construction of a boundary wall of a house. The work can be divided into the following operation. 

1
A
Brick work
2
B
Preparation of mortar mixture
3
C
Digging foundation of the boundary wall
4
D
Planning and marking the foundation

These operations are not arranged in a sequence. They are only sorted out and represented by the symbols. A, B, C and D. These operations should be arranged in an operations sequence on the basis of priorities. Thus, they can be represented as :

The operations C, D, B and A have now been arranged in a logical sequence.


Preparing mortar is an activity independent of the operations viz. foundation digging and planning operations. The numbering can be done by starting from left and proceeding towards the right.

Advantages of the Critical Path Method :

  • It helps in ascertaining the time schedule.

  • Control becomes easy for management.

  • It helps in preparing detailed plan of action/operations/activities.

  •  It helps in enforcing the plan of actions/operations/activities.

  • It gives a standard method for communicating project plans, schedules and time and cost performances.

  • It identifies the most critical elements.

  • It shows ways to enforce strict supervision over the entire project programme.