PRJ: Definition of CPM in Microsoft Project (43617)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Project 98 for Windows
- Microsoft Project for Windows 95 4.1
- Microsoft Project for Windows 95 4.1a
- Microsoft Project for Windows 1.0
- Microsoft Project for Windows 3.0
- Microsoft Project for Windows 3.0a
- Microsoft Project for Windows 4.0
- Microsoft Project for the Macintosh 1.1
- Microsoft Project for the Macintosh 3.0
- Microsoft Project for the Macintosh 4.0
This article was previously published under Q43617
CPM (Critical Path Method) is a project management technique that
focuses on methods of categorizing the work performed in a project.
The traditional method of diagramming a CPM network of tasks is
often referred to as the "Activity on Arrow" or "Arrow
Diagram Method." The CPM method of project management features a
single time estimate for each activity and an associated cost of that
activity.
Microsoft Project uses the CPM internally to calculate the duration of
projects. Microsoft Project defines the critical path as a set of those
tasks that if delayed or started early will affect the finish date of the
entire project. Therefore, those tasks that constitute the critical path
are the "critical" tasks.
The best method of displaying a CPM-like view of a project is to
create a custom dual-pane view with a Gantt Chart (formatted to
display critical tasks) on the top view and a Task PERT chart
on the bottom. Filters can then be applied to restrict the
viewable data according to the CPM criteria.
Project does not provide a networking (PERT-like), timescale-oriented
CPM view.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 11/25/2003 |
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| Keywords: | kbinfo kbusage KB43617 |
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