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
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.




Capital-at-Risk: Basic Categories and Evaluation for Contractors
Contracting is a capital-intensive and risky business. Understanding the key categories of capital at risk, along with their different risk factors, enables construction owners and leaders to make better decisions.
Cash Flow and the 5Cs of Credit - Character
Out of the 5C’s of Credit, character is the one that takes the longest to develop and can be lost in an instant. Character is like your safety EMR in that it is a multiplier for the other C’s, including how much capital you will need to leverage.
Teamwork - The Five Foundational Stages to Results
Construction is the most complex TEAM sport there is and the teams that work best together win. It is that simple. The contractors who know how to develop the best teams are thriving in all market conditions including the shortage of construction talent.