What is Critical Chain Project Management?

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) is a project management methodology that focuses on the resources required to execute project tasks, and on the consumption of a protection called buffer at the end of the project. The main indicator used to monitor the project is the Fever Chart. CCPM aims to finish projects on time.

Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt developed the Critical Chain Method in 1997. CCPM relates closely to one of Dr Goldratt’s main theory: the Theory of Constraints (TOC). To improve productivity and operational efficiency, TOC focuses on identifying and adjusting the primary limiting factors standing in the way of a project’s completion, as does the Critical Chain approach.

Understanding Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) focuses on the logical dependencies between tasks and on the leveling of the resources. The Critical Chain scheduling method consists in identifying and listing the resources that are needed on tasks, to then calculate the duration of the project based on their availability.

To make sure that resources are available when required for the completion of a task, CCPM uses the concept of buffers into the project timeline. Three types of buffers exist:

• Project Buffers are inserted at the end of the project completion date to make sure that the finishing date will not be postponed.
• Feeding Buffers are inserted at the end of non-critical chains in order to prevent any delay from the non-critical task on the critical chain.
• Resource Buffers are set at the beginning of the critical chain and ensure that the critical resources are available to work on the critical chain activities.

Unlike the Critical Path method, which is more focused on rigid scheduling and task order, Critical Chain Project Management consists in managing a number of limited resources whose capacity limit is known. The resources are then levelled and protection / buffers are added where necessary to ensure the good execution of the project.

Why use the Critical Chain methodology?

Using the Critical Chain methodology in project management holds several benefits:

• It allows project managers to handle uncertainty and unforeseen events. The whole project is protected by buffers.
• Teams can monitor the whole project lifecycle and get a closer look at how their efforts move the project forward.
• It increases team productivity by letting everyone focus on their tasks.
• It reduces the “student syndrome” phenomenon, which is when people only start to work when the deadline is near.

Overall, Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) is one of the most reliable methods for managing project timelines and resources. Using the Critical Chain scheduling methodology allows projects to be completed on time, within budget and without compromises on the original specifications.

What are the benefits of Critical Chain Project Management?

Over the years the Critical Chain Project Management method has proven its efficiency by briging concretes results to lots of companies :

• On average, the projects duration is shorten by 40%,

• This allows enterprises to complete more project over the same period of time, aroung 70% more projects completed,

• The throughput of the companies that used CCPM, has increaded by more than 53% on average

Considered these results, what are you waiting for to use the Critical Chain Project Management ?

Implementation of Critical Chain Project Management with Marris Consulting

As an expert company in the implementation of Critical Chain Project Management, Marris Consulting offers CCPM training and consulting services. With over 25 years of experience, our consultants are able to guide you through the implementation of the Critical Chain approach, for a better working environment and for a significant increase in your projects’ performance and resource productivity. For more information about our Critical Chain Project Management consulting and training services, please do not hesitate to contact our experts.

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