Critical Path Method (CPM) Worked Example
Assumed Project Network with Forward/Backward Pass, Floats, and Gantt Schedule
Problem Statement:
A project consists of the following activities with durations (days) and precedence: A(4), B(3) start concurrently; C(2) after A;
D(5) after A; E(4) after B; F(6) after C and D; G(3) after D and E; H(2) after F and G. Determine ES, EF, LS, LF, total float for
each activity, identify the critical path, and the total project duration. Assume project start at time 0.
Summary:
Project Duration: 17 days
Critical Path: A D F H
Note: All computations follow standard CPM forward/backward pass.
Detailed CPM Calculations
Activity Duration Predecessors ES EF LS LF Total Float
A 4 - 0 4 0 4 0
B 3 - 0 3 5 8 5
E 4 B 3 7 8 12 5
C 2 A 4 6 7 9 3
D 5 A 4 9 4 9 0
F 6 C, D 9 15 9 15 0
G 3 D, E 9 12 12 15 3
H 2 F, G 15 17 15 17 0
Gantt Chart (Earliest Schedule)
D
Activities
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Time (days)