Quick Definition:
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a step-by-step project management technique for process planning that defines critical and non-critical tasks with the goal of preventing time-frame problems and process bottlenecks.
What is the Critical Path?
The critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project plan which must be completed on time for the project to complete on due date. An activity on the critical path cannot be started until its predecessor activity is complete; if it is delayed for a day, the entire project will be delayed for a day unless the successor activity is completed a day earlier.
Float and Slack
Tasks not on the critical path have “float” or “slack,” meaning they can be delayed without affecting the project’s end date. Understanding float allows PMs to reallocate resources to critical tasks if needed.
