CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is developing the project schedule for a construction project. The team has identified all activities and their dependencies. Which tool should the project manager use to determine the critical path?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse PERT with CPM because both use network diagrams, but PERT is for probabilistic duration estimation while CPM is specifically for identifying the critical path via float calculations.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Critical path method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is the correct tool because it calculates the longest path through the project network diagram by analyzing activity durations and dependencies, identifying which activities have zero float and thus determine the project's minimum completion time. The question specifically asks for determining the critical path, which is the core output of CPM, not just visualizing or estimating durations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Work breakdown structure (WBS)
Why it's wrong here
A WBS decomposes project scope into deliverables and work packages; it captures no dependencies or durations, so no path can be derived from it. It is tempting because it precedes scheduling and lists all activities, and would be correct when defining scope rather than sequencing work.
- ✓
Critical path method (CPM)
Why this is correct
With activities and dependencies already identified, the critical path method performs the forward and backward pass calculations over the network diagram, yielding each activity's float and identifying the longest path that fixes the project duration.
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Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Why it's wrong here
PERT applies weighted three-point duration estimates to handle uncertainty; it does not itself compute the longest dependent path through the network. It is tempting because it also models activity dependencies, and would be correct when the durations are uncertain and expected times must be estimated.
- ✗
Gantt chart
Why it's wrong here
A Gantt chart displays schedule bars against a calendar, showing durations and progress; it does not calculate forward and backward pass float to derive the critical path. It is tempting because it visualises the schedule, and would be correct when presenting or tracking an already-developed schedule.
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