Advanced CPM Simulator - Project Management Tool

CPM Project Simulator

Created By: Ir. MD Nursyazwi

Instructions on How To Use

Welcome to the Critical Path Method (CPM) simulator. This tool helps you plan and schedule projects by using single, deterministic time and cost estimates.

1. Enter Task Details: Fill out the form with your task's name, its dependencies (by task ID, comma-separated), and a single time and cost estimate.
2. Add Task: Click "Add Task" to add your task to the table.
3. Review Results: The simulator will instantly calculate the **total project time** and **cost**. It also finds the **critical path**, which is the sequence of tasks that determines the project's total duration.
4. Visualize: The **CPM Diagram** and **Cost/Time Graph** provide a clear visual overview of your project's plan and resource allocation.

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Data Input

Use the form below to add and manage your project tasks.

Load Template: -- Select a Template -- Construction Works Electrical Works Manufacturing Works

Task Name:

Dependencies (comma-separated):

Estimated Time:

Estimated Cost:

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Data Output

The table below shows all your project tasks and their calculated values. You can double-click on a cell to edit it.

ID	Task Name	Dependencies	Time	Cost	ES	EF	LS	LF	Slack	Action

Project Summary

Total Project Time: 0.00

Total Project Cost: 0.00

Critical Path

Tasks on the critical path have zero slack and determine the project's total duration.

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Chart and Diagram

These visuals help you understand the relationships and scale of your project tasks at a glance.

Task Estimated Cost vs. Estimated Time

CPM Diagram

Critical Path Task

Non-Critical Path Task

Critical Path Dependency

Non-Critical Path Dependency

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Science Explanation

What is CPM?

CPM, or **Critical Path Method**, is a project management technique used to analyze and represent the tasks involved in a project. It is a deterministic model, meaning it uses a single, fixed time and cost estimate for each task. It helps in identifying the longest sequence of dependent tasks, known as the critical path, which determines the minimum time required to complete the entire project.

The CPM Formulas

The core of CPM is the calculation of a sequence of four values for each task, using a forward and backward pass through the project network:

• Early Start (ES): The earliest time a task can begin. For the first task, this is typically 0. For subsequent tasks, it's the maximum of the Early Finish times of all its preceding tasks.
• Early Finish (EF): The earliest time a task can be completed. This is simply the Early Start time plus the task's estimated duration (EF = ES + Time).
• Late Finish (LF): The latest a task can be completed without delaying the project. This is calculated by working backward from the last task's Early Finish time, which becomes its Late Finish time. For other tasks, it's the minimum of the Late Start times of all tasks that follow it.
• Late Start (LS): The latest a task can begin without delaying the project. This is calculated as the Late Finish time minus the task's estimated duration (LS = LF - Time).

Slack

The **Slack** or float of a task is the amount of time it can be delayed without delaying the project's overall completion date. It is calculated as the difference between the Late Start and Early Start times (Slack = LS - ES). Tasks with zero slack are on the critical path.

The Critical Path

The **critical path** is the longest sequence of tasks in the project network. These tasks have zero slack. Any delay on a critical path task will directly delay the entire project's completion. Identifying the critical path is crucial for effective project management as it highlights the tasks that require the most careful monitoring and resource allocation.

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References

To learn more about project management and the techniques used in this simulator, check out these excellent books:

• A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - The foundational guide for all project management professionals, providing an overview of best practices.
• Project Management Absolute Beginner's Guide - A great starting point for anyone new to project management, covering key concepts and techniques in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
• The New Project Management: Tools & Techniques for the Modern PM - This book offers practical tools and techniques, including modern approaches to project planning and execution.
• The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management - Provides a quick and effective overview of the essential skills and knowledge needed to manage projects successfully.

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Other Simulators

While CPM is a powerful tool for projects with certain timelines, other simulators and project management techniques exist that serve different purposes:

• Advanced PERT Simulator (Project Management) - Use this simulator to manage projects with uncertain timelines by using three time estimates: optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic.
• Advanced WBS Simulator - A tool for creating and managing a **Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)** for complex projects.
• ROI Calculator (Return on Investment) - Calculate the **return on investment (ROI)** for various projects and investments.
• Motor to Generator Simulator - Simulate the conversion of a motor's rotation into electrical energy, demonstrating the principles of **electromagnetic induction**.
• Piezoelectric Effect Simulator - Explore how mechanical pressure on certain materials can generate an **electric charge**.
• Triboelectric Effect Simulator (Static Electricity) - Demonstrate the creation of **static electricity** through friction between different materials.