Yamín, R A and Harmelink, D J (2001) Comparison of linear scheduling model (LSM) and critical path method (CPM). Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(5), pp. 374-381. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Due to an increasingly competitive environment, construction companies are becoming more sophisticated, narrowing their focus, and becoming specialists in certain types of construction. This specialization requires more focused scheduling tools that prove to be better for certain type of projects. The critical path method (CPM) is the most utilized scheduling tool in the construction industry. However, for certain types of projects, CMP's usefulness decreases, because it becomes complex and difficult to use and understand. Alternative scheduling tools designed to be used with specific types of projects can prove to be more practical than CPM solutions. This paper provides a comparison of the CPM and a specialized tool, the linear scheduling model, by identifying critical attributes needed by any scheduling tool both at the higher management level and at the project level. Two project examples are scheduled with each method, and differences are discussed. Conclusions support that specialization of scheduling tools could be beneficial for the project manager and the project.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | becoming, project manager, construction industry, specialization, scheduling, construction company, linear scheduling, critical path method |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, philosophical process, operations research, profession, organization, business |
| Topics: | Time Control, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here