As part of our Construction Planning and Programming curriculum, we outline important terminologies with concise definitions to help you navigate even the most complex construction programmes. Here, we present a comprehensive list of basic programming terminology…
- Critical Path – The longest sequence of activities through a project network from start to finish, the sum of whose durations determines the overall project duration
- Free float – The amount of time an activity may be delayed beyond its early start/ early finish date without delaying any early start / early finish dates of its immediate successors
- Total float – The amount of time an activity may be delayed beyond its early start / early finish dates without delaying the contract completion date
- Critical path method (CPM) – The methodology that the programme software uses to determine the critical path and calculate float
- Critical Path Analysis (CPA) – The process of analysing the critical and near critical activities in a CPM programme to manage progress, balance resource allocations and ascertain delays or acceleration to the date for completion
- Accepted Programme – A programme for the whole of the works that was submitted to and accepted by the Engineer/Agent
- Updated Programme – The Accepted programme updated with all progress achieved and any revised logic or constraints
- Impacted Programme – A programme illustrating the effect that a change had on the activities within a programme or on the contract completion date
This terminology forms part of our Construction Planning and Programming course.