Critical Chain Project Management is a technique for analyzing the schedule network. It takes into account task dependencies and limited resources (people, equipment, and physical space) in order to determine the best way to complete the project. CCPM is a method that allows project managers to plan and manage their projects by focusing on Critical Path (also known under the Critical Chain). The origin of Critical Chain
Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt developed Critical Chain Project Management in 1997 to address inability to complete tasks within budget and time. The method was first introduced by Dr. Goldratt in his Theory of Constraints (TOC) work. This method focuses on identifying and fixing bottlenecks to improve the workflow. Project Management Frameworks and Methodologies
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Traditional project management relies on predictable experience and predictable tools. We can’t control every aspect of a project as much as our hearts desire. Traditional project management takes a lot of time to make accurate time estimates and reduce risk, which can lead to delays in projects. The Critical Path Method isn’t very helpful because it assumes that all resources are available at all times. This is not always true. Critical Path Method also states that if one activity is delayed, it will be passed on to the next activity, which can delay the entire project. Critical Chain Optimization, a large part of CCPM, helps us determine the time estimates we can reduce and allows us to evenly distribute work through flexible start times. Critical Chain Optimization also ensures that we don’t need safety margins and that all tasks are completed on time. What is Critical Chain Project Management?
The Critical Chain is the longest path through the network diagram, taking into account task dependency and resource availability. This modified version of Critical Path Method allows project activities to use aggressive time and have unlimited resources. Unlike Critical Path Method which uses Float, CCPM uses buffers to eliminate uncertainty around projects. There are four types of buffers. Project Buffer – prevents the project’s scheduled end date from being missed and keeps the completion date constant. It is placed at the end the project network diagram, between each task and the completion date. It protects the project completion date from possible changes in the critical chain activity durations. The size of the project buffer is dependent on the activities in critical chains. Feeding Buffer is the buffer between the last task in a non-critical and critical chain. These buffers are usually added to a non critical chain so that delays on a critical chain don’t impact the critical chain. Resource Buffer – These buffers are added to the Critical Chain to ensure that the appropriate resources (people, equipment, etc.) are available at all times. These resources are also known as Critical Resources. Capacity Buffer: It sets up on-call resources in case of budget problems. The steps of CCPM are detailed.
The CCPM process has 9 steps:Reduce all time est