Use of Critical Path Techniques

Single, deterministic time values associated with one cost figure in an activity-oriented system are preferable for most applications of the network planning technique. With the exception of research projects, involving previously unattempted activities, the triple stochastic time values in an event-oriented system waste the planner's time and produce results that are no more significant than those obtained by deterministic methods. Maximum benefits from these techniques can only be obtained through re-working the schedule, alternate plans, and repeated updatings. The arithmetic is simple enough for hand calculation, but the number of computations over the life of a project militates against a completely manual solution. Hence, computers are suggested for virtually all projects. Certain aspects, however, are more efficiently done by the individual. Schedule compression, distribution of float, and reassignment of resources are examples of work that should be entrusted to the electronic assistant. Comprehensive knowledge and intelligent application, not mechanical processing, are the elements of successful utilization.