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.




Advanced Business Development for General Contractors
Finally, a resource designed specifically for Senior Management in the construction industry. This workshop will help explain the “Art and Science of Business Development” and what you can do to maximize the processes you already have.
Focused Resources = Maximum Results
Contracting is a relatively low-margin and high-risk business. Contractors can’t afford to spread out their resources on projects or in their businesses. Leaders must put maximum resources behind their biggest bottlenecks or opportunities.
Project Delivery - CM Agency or Multi-Prime
Project Owners can minimize the markups for overhead and profit by contracting directly with the specialty contractors and hiring a Construction Management (CM) firm to work as their agent. This project delivery method is called CM Agency or Multi-Prime.