Abstract
Scheduling of a construction project can be done by using the Critical Path Method (CPM) in case the project is composed of interrelated activities that can be combined through a network. Given uncertainties nowadays and the related need for project schedule adaptations, the question is raised whether and how “traditional” CPM-based schedules allow for flexibility in project planning and management. In order to give an answer to this question, first, the managerial flexibilities provided by CPM were evaluated at three levels, i.e., activity, path, and project. Afterwards, the CPM schedules of two different projects were examined. Finally, the first conclusion arrived was that, in spite of its criticized deterministic features, CPM contains various flexible aspects from a managerial viewpoint. Second, potential flexibilities in CPM are mainly associated with resource leveling, noncritical activities, noncritical paths, activity float times, and activity float types. Third, CPM contains complete flexibility through independent floats and resource leveling capability. Investigating the flexible features of CPM in its traditional form, this study aims to open the way to develop a more flexible schedule management approach based on CPM and its extensions, which future self-organizing teams can adjust or apply.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to introduce our thanks to the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme which has been carried out through an agreement between the Republic of Turkey and the European Commission, and funded by the European Union within the scope of the Instrument for Pre-Accession for Turkey.
“This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Önder Ökmen, Marian Bosch-Rekveldt, and Hans Bakker and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.”
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Ökmen, Ö., Bosch-Rekveldt, M., Bakker, H. (2022). Evaluation of Managerial Flexibilities in Critical Path Method-Based Construction Schedules. In: Ding, R., Wagner, R., Bodea, CN. (eds) Research on Project, Programme and Portfolio Management. Lecture Notes in Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86248-0_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86248-0_15
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