Agile Project Management vs. Critical Path Method

The Critical Path Method (CPM) of project management is very commonly used in the management of construction projects.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
July 15, 2018 2 minute read
Share

CPM works very well when the components of the design and the project are mostly known to all responsible parties. CPM focuses on either a single value-delivery event such as the completion of a building or in major phases such as turning over a floor at a time.  

Management Tools: Agile Project Management vs Critical Path Method (CPM).

CPM does not work as well in situations where there are significant “Known-Unknowns” about the plan CPM really breaks down when there are “Unknown-Unknowns”:

  • The final destination isn’t crystal clear; even to the leader
  • The path to get there has unknowns
  • The tools and tactics required to get there aren’t known to the team

In these situations more agile management methods are required either in conjunction with or to replace CPM:

There are similarities between all methods.  Develop the systems that work best for your company at this point in time.

Opportunity Evaluation (2 Critical Dimensions)
Your strategic decisions show up most vividly in the opportunities you choose to pursue. Disciplined and aggressive business development will ensure a strong pipeline of opportunities. Choosing what to pursue requires balancing two critical dimensions.
Related Article
Leading vs Lagging
Clearly defining the outcome you want in clearly measurable terms is critically important so that you and everyone else knows exactly what winning looks like. As challenging as defining clear measurable outcomes is; that is the easiest part.
Related Article
Integrated Systems - Defined
Construction contracting is highly competitive. Winning requires people and technology aligned with effective workflows to deliver maximum value for customers with minimum waste while allowing the business to scale sustainably.
Related Article