Brooklyn Construction Company Explains How the Critical Path Method Is Essential To A Construction Management Plan

Arc III Construction Corp., a Brooklyn-based construction firm offering high-end renovation services in the New York area, says that critical path management uses mathematical algorithms to schedule various aspects of a construction project.

“The critical path method, also known as a critical path analysis, is a mathematically-based algorithm used for scheduling a set of construction project activities,” says Alex Chiesi, president and founder of Arc III Construction Corp. (http://arc3construction.com/), a full service design, remodeling, and construction firm that specializes in the renovation and new construction of both residential and commercial projects throughout New York City. “It is an important tool for effective project management, but some contractors and construction management firms do not know how to properly use such tools.”

According to Chiesi, the critical path method (CPM) was developed in the 1950s by the DuPont Corporation and it is commonly used in all forms of projects, including construction, software development, research and development, engineering and building maintenance.

“CPM is basically a scheduling process that ensures that a construction plan runs smoothly and according to all planned specifications,” says Chiesi. “A CPM plan will include a list of all activities required to complete the project, the duration of each activity and the dependencies between the activities.”

Using these values, a CPM calculates the longest path of planned activities to the end of the project, and the earliest and latest that each activity can start and finish without making the duration of the project longer. This process helps to determine which activities are critical and which can be delayed without making the project last longer.

In construction management, Chiesi explains, a critical path is the sequence of project activities which add up to the longest overall duration. This helps contractors and construction managers to determine the shortest time possible to complete the project.

“The results of a CPM allow construction managers to prioritize activities for the effective management of project completion,” he explains.

Arc III Construction is a multi-disciplined New York construction management and engineering firm specializing in project planning, risk management, program management, project due diligence, construction management, critical path method scheduling, schedule delay analysis, construction cost estimating, construction claims, quantification of damages, defect evaluation & analysis, and construction training. Incorporated in 1995 as a residential contractor, ARC III Construction has grown to become one of New York City's finest general and finish contractors offering custom furniture, millwork, and high-end renovation services. For more information call 917-547-1728 or visit www. arc3construction.com.

Copyright 2010 dzine it, inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.