Which sequence represents the critical path?

Which sequence represents the critical path?

• A. A-C-F-G-J
• B. A-B-H-I-J
• C. A-B-E-G-J
• D. A-C-D-G-J

Answer: (B)

The critical path is the longest-duration chain of dependent activities that determines the project’s completion date. It has no total float, so any delay in any activity on that path pushes the finish date forward. Other paths have some slack and can absorb delays without delaying project completion. In this network, the sequence going from A to B to H to I to J forms the longest continuous chain from start to finish, so it carries no slack. Delays in any of those activities would extend the project duration, while the other possible paths include activities with some slack and thus can be delayed without affecting the finish date. So this sequence is the critical path.

The critical path is the longest-duration chain of dependent activities that determines the project’s completion date. It has no total float, so any delay in any activity on that path pushes the finish date forward. Other paths have some slack and can absorb delays without delaying project completion.

In this network, the sequence going from A to B to H to I to J forms the longest continuous chain from start to finish, so it carries no slack. Delays in any of those activities would extend the project duration, while the other possible paths include activities with some slack and thus can be delayed without affecting the finish date. So this sequence is the critical path.