ABSTRACT
CPA provides a strict framework for a logical sequence of activities, with well-defined durations. Practical projects may have loosely defined sequences of activities, with durations which are difficult to estimate. Since often the main value of CPA is to give a powerful planning tool where none existed previously, these loosenesses in definitions may still be tolerated. However, in many projects, especially large ones co-ordinating many types of subcontractor with differing degrees of sophistication, potential errors in estimating durations may be significant. The resulting errors in estimating project times and loss of project control may be so considerable as to require a more detailed assessment and treatment of the problem. This is done here; the problems of loosely defined logical sequences, which may become severe in speculative or research and development projects, is treated in Chapter 9.
