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This is a recording of the live webinar "Critical Path Method: Introduction to the Method and Software". Project managers typically face these four schedule questions: 1) How long will the project take? 2) Are we on schedule? 3) How long will the project be delayed because of this setback? 4) How long did the project really take? The Critical Path Method (CPM) provides answers to these questions. It also facilitates, actually requires, a very systematic approach to project planning. This webinar introduces the CPM by explaining underlying concepts and providing an example. CPM software is needed for application to actual projects. Some software packages are noted and a free program is identified, and used as an example during the seminar. Participants receive a detailed handout on which the webinar will draw. The handout includes references to articles, books, e-newsletters, websites and other self-study materials.

Instructor:  Stuart G. Walesh, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, Dist.M.ASCE

Course Length: 1 Hour

Purpose and Background

Project managers typically face these four schedule questions: 1) How long will the project take? 2) Are we on schedule? 3) How long will the project be delayed because of this setback? 4) How long did the project really take? The Critical Path Method (CPM) provides answers to these questions. It also facilitates, actually requires, a very systematic approach to project planning. This seminar introduces the CPM by explaining underlying concepts and providing an example.

CPM software is needed for application to actual projects. Some software packages are noted and a free program is identified, and used as an example during the seminar.

Participants receive a detailed handout on which the webinar will draw. The handout includes references to articles, books, e-newsletters, websites and other self-study materials.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes and Seminar Benefits

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Encourage better project scheduling
• Identify schedule problems early – when they can still be corrected
• Reduce project delays
• Enhance client relations through improved project performance

Intended Audience

This webinar will help public and private sector project managers who are not familiar with the CPM and want to know the real status of ongoing projects. Potential project managers will benefit from this webinar because they will acquire a basic tool for suc- cessful project planning and monitoring. Please note: This webinar introduces the CPM and presents some basic examples. Accordingly, the webinar is not intended for individuals already familiar with the CPM or similar methods.

Seminar Outline

• Four schedule questions
• Network fundamentals
• The five step CPM approach
• Forward and backward pass
• Critical path
• Gantt Chart
• Example
• Updating the schedule
• Task identification tips
• Free software
• Examples of software use
• Resources for additional study

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]