To comprehend the concept of a CPM schedule, it is imperative to analyze its constituent components. Hence, aside from a general definition of this project management technique, an elucidation of the individual parts of a CPM schedule is indispensable, which encompasses:

1. Individual activities
2. Earliest possible start date
3. Latest allowable start date
4. Earliest finish date
5. Latest finish date
6. Crash duration
7. Determination of task dependencies
8. Catalog of project milestones

CPM Schedule Generic Definition

A CPM schedule, also known as a critical path method schedule, is essentially a graphic representation of a project management timetable. It outlines each specific task that is involved in the overall project, including the minimum amount of time needed to complete each task. The critical path within the CPM schedule is essentially the longest estimated time it will take to complete all the individual tasks and, consequently, the entire project.

Individual Tasks:

At the core of a CPM schedule is an itemization of each individual task that needs to be completed to finish the project within the desired timeline. Examining each individual task using the other components of the CPM schedule provides a clear view of the actual schedule of a project.

Earliest Start Date:

The earliest start date, a critical component of a CPM schedule, refers to the earliest start date of each task, rather than the project as a whole. The first earliest start date assigned to the initial task becomes the start date of the project. The later earliest start dates for interconnected tasks are dependent on task dependencies, which are part of the CPM schedule.

Latest Start Date:

Another essential component of a CPM schedule is the latest start date for each task. The “latest start date” means the latest possible time when a task can start without delaying the overall CPM schedule.

Earliest Finish Date:

The earliest finish date is a fundamental element of a CPM schedule, which is determined by considering the earliest and latest start dates along with task dependencies associated with a particular task.

Latest Finish Date:

The latest finish date considers the factors that determine the earliest task completion date, such as the earliest and latest start dates, as well as issues that might delay task completion, such as task dependencies or task start delays.

Crash Duration:

Crash duration is a critical consideration in a CPM schedule. It is the minimum amount of time necessary to complete a project task adequately. If this minimum amount of time becomes unavailable, an analysis of the CPM schedule is required to evaluate task time, cost, and the quality of the final task result.

Identification of Task Dependencies:

The identification of task dependencies is an important element of a CPM schedule. It involves defining the relationships between tasks and the dependencies that impact the start dates of project tasks, indicating potential project points that might cause delays.

List of Project Milestones:

A CPM schedule includes project milestones, which are a group of related tasks and an estimated date by which they will be completed. These milestones serve as essential markers to assess the project’s progress and make sure it stays on track.