I recently read Andrew Filev’s article Critical Pathis Easyas 1,2,3, which first defined Critical Path Method (CPM) and explained how to build out a schedule.
Mencken said that for every complex problem there is a clear solution that is simple and wrong. Graphical Planning Method argues that the tools for getting the robust, correct solution need not be complicated.
If the current offering of resources for project managers in need of help with every aspect of Critical Path Method – from the fundamental concept to the nuances of leveling resources – is any indication, the mechanics behind it remain as difficult as ever. This often makes interpreting, let alone creating, a CPM schedule is an intense challenge. This inhibits communication and understanding within a project and proves to be a massive difficulty for key stakeholders who don’t have backgrounds in professional scheduling. In a post titled nothing less than “Why Critical Path is Critical to Project Management,” Dr. Andrew Makar, an IT program manager, writes, “I’ll admit I’m reluctant to create a network diagram and start the forward and backward pass mechanics.”
This all means CPM is far from as easy as 1-2-3. Perhaps the fundamental concept, which is that the series of events that defines the timeframe for the project should be identified, is fairly easy. But for about sixty years now its complexities in application have continued to engage (and frustrate) project managers and so using CPM correctly is hardly a matter of counting.
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GPM is more than a typo removed from CPM. Its presentation as a graphical display is a world away from CPM’s black box calculations. Making it possible for stakeholders other than professional schedulers to intuitively grasp a schedule is, of course, only for the best. GPM is not as easy as 1-2-3, but as easy as click-and-drag. It is more like, when you stop clicking and dragging the schedule is refreshed through its own NetPoint rules as opposed to be bringing in a calculating engine. NetPoint rules of course include the GPM algorithms, the self-healing algorithms.
The Logic control enforces the common-sense rules CPM was designed to follow. Float and drift are calculated instantaneously as objects are dragged and rescheduled easily. Every aspect of the design, from the ability to customize the positioning of text to the visual representation of data dates, contributes to the clarity of the schedule. The user and not the algorithm drive the activity dates and the fact that GPM recognizes both the ability to float forward and drift backward. Just that capability enables users to set dates. CPM requires constraints to enable users to enable the user to set dates, which constraints most unfortunately overlook drift. All this allows for collaborative planning and clear understanding on the part of every stakeholder of even the most complicated solution.