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.




Profitability Trends
When you are looking at your scoreboard, remember that industry average benchmarks and single points in time only tell part of the story.
Laws Control the Lesser Man
Growing construction businesses need processes and accountability systems the same way society needs laws, police, courts and jails. As a contractor starts growing leadership needs to put some processes in place to keep things running smooth.
Cash Flow Tip 16 - 5/10/15 Collection Process
Use the 5/10/15 Collection Process to ensure faster payments. Don’t let the marginal gains achieved so far with Cash Flow Tips 1-15 get squandered by poor collection practices.