Which network planning technique analyzes a project’s activities and times to identify the critical path and schedule constraints?

• A. Gantt chart
• B. Critical path method
• C. Value stream mapping
• D. PERT analysis

Answer: (B)

This question tests how network planning techniques determine the project finish date by pinpointing the critical path. The Critical Path Method analyzes each activity and its duration within a network, calculating earliest and latest start and finish times. From these, it identifies the path with zero total float—the critical path. This path dictates the project’s completion date and reveals where schedule constraints exist, since any delay on those activities directly delays the whole project.

A Gantt chart mainly shows activity timelines but doesn’t automatically reveal the critical path. Value stream mapping focuses on the flow of materials and information in production, not on sequencing project activities. PERT analysis deals with uncertain time estimates and probabilistic durations, whereas the question emphasizes determining the fixed critical path and schedule constraints, which CPM handles most directly.