What are the top special tools techniques of critical chain project management?

The Critical Chain Method (CCM) is used to perform Schedule Network Analysis that considers task dependencies, limited resource availability, and buffers.  It’s used to prepare the project schedule when limited or restricted resources are available.

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In this method, the Program Manager (PM) usually schedules all or most high-risk or critical activities in the earlier stage of the project schedule. This allows the critical tasks to be completed early and gives buffers to handle unexpected problems if they arise. Also, the PM will combine several tasks into one task and assign one resource to handle all.

Critical Chain Method (CCM) Goal

The Critical Chain Method (CCM) aims to eliminate project schedule delays due to uncertainties, overestimating task duration, and wasted internal buffers.

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Utilizing the Critical Chain Method (CCM) in Your Schedule

To develop a project schedule using the critical chain method you do the following:

  • Define Activities: What needs to be done to finish the project?
  • Estimate task durations: How long does each task take to finish?
  • Calculate Buffer: Make plans for what could go wrong based on who is doing the work and how much time they have to spend on the project.

Critical Chain Method (CCM) Development Steps

The six (6) steps involved in the development of the CCM are:

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What are the top special tools techniques of critical chain project management?
What are the top special tools techniques of critical chain project management?
ProjectManager helps you manage resources and boost productivity. Learn more.

ProjectManager Has Resource and Task Management for CCPM

The task feature on ProjectManager is simple to use but dynamic enough to work across multiple projects. Status updates are real-time because the software is cloud-based. This offers visibility to see where there are bottlenecks or blocks. It also helps to improve delivery.

Each team member has an individualized daily task list they can access for each project they’re working on. This keeps the focus on the work ahead. Just as it is when working with critical chain project management.

As an added bonus, each task acts as a platform for team collaboration. Team members can attach notes at the task level, whether images or files and even add comments if there’s a need to ask a question or just hand off the assignment. People are notified automatically when assigned tasks. This keeps production moving swiftly and efficiently. It’s a critical chain best-case scenario.

ProjectManager is online project management software suited for the critical chain, but any methodology you choose to manage your project is supported by our software. It helps with planning, monitoring and reporting, and the real-time dashboard gives you all project metrics on one page. It’s easy to filter the dashboard to show just the information you need. Try it today with this free 30-day trial.

What is critical chain technique in project management?

Critical chain project management (CCPM) is a method of planning and managing projects that emphasizes the resources (people, equipment, physical space) required to execute project tasks. It was developed by Eliyahu M. Goldratt.

What are the characteristics of the critical path and critical chain methods?

The critical path (CPM) focuses on managing tasks, whereas the critical chain concentrates on managing the resources and buffer. The critical path method (CPM) is more of an estimation than the critical chain, as it assumes that every resource will be available when needed.