In response to your peers, note the points upon which you agree and diverge regarding a particular methodology and discuss those points. Again, support your position with specific examples from your own experience or from your research.
Colton Brannon
The Critical Path (CP) project methodology helps to determine the sequence of dependent tasks allowing project managers to better prioritize, build schedules, and more. Dependent tasks, meaning tasks that are required before another task can begin, can fall into the categories of finish to start, finish to finish, start to start, and start to finish. These phrases identify the order of tasks to be completed and affect the start of each task. A few advantages of this method include easier prioritization, better risk detection, and the ability to adapt. Since it is understood which tasks have to be completed before starting another, they can be prioritized. Additionally, risks can be clear since they know which path the project will be following along. Finally, with CP allows for the schedule to be changed, if necessary, with the ability to see outcomes and make the best decision. Some disadvantages include complexity and applicability. The CP method revolves around many tasks and moving pieces requiring difficult calculations and the ability for human error. On the other hand, this method is not for every project. If there is not a clear structure to completing the project, this method may not be useful (Ramos, 2022).
The Critical Chain (CC) methodology is similar to CP as it focuses on the series of dependent tasks that must be completed for a project to be successful. The CC method, however, focuses on resources to buffer the timeline and therefore determines a success factor on the usefulness of these buffered resources. This method can be useful in reducing the time and cost of a project while allowing for problems to be detected quickly. Advantages include accelerating execution and reducing capital needs while disadvantages may include difficulty to grasp and required dedication. Overall CP and CC are similar, but CC operates with buffers and revolves more strongly around resources (Hlioui, 2020).
The third method agile, allows for continuous customer involvement through incremental delivery of project demands. This method is beneficial when there is uncertainty, unknowns, and room to work. By working with the client often things can be changed quickly to reflect the wants and needs from the customer. Agile advantages include fewer wasted resources, quick feedback, and the ability to experiment or create new ideas. Some of the disadvantages include increased effort due to constant interaction, inability to multitask projects due to constant attention needed on agile, and lack of design or knowledge of the project (Olic, 2020).
The criteria for the methods above can be unique to each situation as the task at hand and knowledge known differs every time. CP is often linked to construction projects as construction have concrete steps that have to be followed to achieve success. For example, the foundation has to be completed before building upon it as these are dependent tasks. CC is similar but can have a wide array of projects as well. Additionally, agile is often considered for IT projects as it allows for creative minds to work and develop new ideas, however, it is moving along to many projects nowadays. Overall, each method must be carefully considered with each task as the usual situation that these methods are used in can differ at any time. If used correctly for the correct situation there is great benefit for the customer and project management team.
