The shortest total length of a project is determined by the

“The shortest total length of a project is determined by the longest path through the network.” Explain the concept behind this statement. Why does the longest path determine the shortest project length?

Solution

A path can be defined as a sequence of connected activities that leads from the starting node to the completion node.To complete the project, the activities on all paths must be completed.Our task will be to analyze the total amount of calendar time required for all paths to be traversed. Thus, we wish to determine the longest path from start to finish.This path, called the critical path, will determine the overall project duration, because no other path will be longer. The critical path is defined as the longest path through the network and consists of those activities that determine the shortest time for project completion. A delay to the start or completion of any activity in this critical path results in a delay to project completion, assuming that this path consists of a continuous sequence of activities without an overriding date constraint or multiple calendars.

If the activities on the longest path are delayed, then, the entire project will be delayed unless the project manager take corrective action. To complete the entire task on time we consider longest path. thus longest path determine the shortest project length.