Sequencing and Scheduling

A sequencing and scheduling tool (table) that allows firms to visually represent the order and time-allocation for various aspects of a project.  Typically used for one-off projects; not the ongoing delivery of output on a production line.

These are useful for a business to forecast required materials and resources; and for the business to see if the budgeted time for each activity is accurate. Can be used to focus on important tasks to reduce time-delays and extra costs of projects.

A sequencing and scheduling tool (nodes and lines) that represent the logical order of smaller activities in a project. Pathways are formed, as the commencement of one activity requires the completion of the preceding activity. The CPA has the forecasted time for each activity. 

The ‘critical path’ is the pathway along which, if there are any delays on an activity, the entire project will be delayed. This is why it is ‘critical’ not to mess up activities on this pathway.

Activities not on the critical path have ‘slack’ or 'float'; this means that if they get delayed, it doesn't alter the completion of the whole project. The CPA is useful as it informs project managers as to which activity to ensure gets done (sets priorities).