Critical path method (CPM) scheduling is a step-by-step project management technique for planning that defines critical and non-critical tasks with the goal of preventing delays to a project. The objective of the CPM schedule is to provide a management tool for the proper and logical allocation and use of the resources needed to complete a project.
This course focuses on schedule review and management. It also explores more advanced concepts related to critical path schedules, including determining if the schedule makes sense, identifying red flags, and realizing and mitigating risks before the baseline schedule is reviewed. This course goes beyond the black and white of CPM schedules and looks at how the contractor is approaching the job and if the schedule is set up for a successful project.
Participants must have a working knowledge of critical path schedules and basic calculations including forward pass, backward pass, and total float before taking this course. If you aren’t familiar with CPM schedules and would like to obtain more basic information, take the CPM Scheduling course (TC3CN050-17-T1).
This course offers professional development hours (PDHs). You will see the PDHs on your course completion certificate, which also serves as documentation of your attendance. PDH requirements vary, therefore, it is up to you to determine whether or not this particular course qualifies under your State or board requirements.
Training level: This training is recommended for the Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council levels III and IV.
Target audience: This course is designed for engineers and their assistants that contribute to or use a CPM schedule, down to senior inspection personnel who could benefit from data provided in a CPM schedule.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- List best practices for developing a baseline schedule;
- Describe what to look for when reviewing a baseline schedule;
- Describe what to look for when reviewing a monthly update;
- Explain the purpose of a schedule narrative;
- List common reasons why projects get delayed;
- Explain the impacts of project delays; and
- Explain when time extension requests should be approved.