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Accelerate with CPM - and this Leading Guide to Construction Planning and Scheduling.
CD-ROM Includes Full-Function Deltek Open Plan CPM Software
A $2000-retail-value, unrestricted license to this world-class product is provided on the included CD-ROM. No limits to number of activities, time for evaluation, or usage. With instruction on CPM and powerful software, you are ready for business now.
The CD-ROM also provides:
- Links to download powerful software from Oracle (Primavera), Microsoft, and others.
- A PDF file of full-color and scalable copy for all screen shots in the text.
- Additional chapter on screen-by-screen instructions for classic Primavera P3 software.
- A computer-readable PDF of two sample CPM specifications.
The critical path method (CPM) of planning and scheduling is a powerful tool for engineering and construction project design and management. When it comes to applying CPM to day-to-day construction situations, this guide, known as the industry bible, is the one you'll want to have.
Written by the former vice chair of the celebrated construction management firm that renovated San Francisco's cable car system and redeveloped New York's JFK airport, and by one of America's leading construction scheduling experts, CPM in Construction Management 7th Edition arms you with the critical knowledge and power to model the project and master the software for smooth handling of complex jobs.
This highly informative, practical book shows you how CPM:
- Works - and how to make it work for you.
- Serves as the analytical tool of choice for evaluation, negotiation, resolution, and/or litigation of construction claims.
- Cuts costs in a one-person operation or the most complex multinational enterprise.
- Helps you stay on top of every aspect of complicated projects.
- Saves you big money in delay avoidance, accurate cost predictions, and claims reductions.
- Multiplies the effectiveness of your instincts, experience, and knowledge.
- Can be successfully implemented by properly utilizing the power of leading scheduling software products.
Specifications of major engineering firms call for the project CPM to be prepared and administered in accordance with this text, which also serves as a primary resource for PSP and PMI-SP exam preparation. With case studies of major global construction projects and a "John Doe" example project that's followed throughout, this book will simplify your application of CPM. Cut project time to the minimum. Determine which deliveries to expedite, and which may slide. Know instantly the impact of change-and how to thrive while others fail. Understand CPM's courtroom evidentiary value - and watch disputes be amicably resolved. This updated classic is the construction tool that makes everything around you work better, faster, and more economically.
From the Preface
The original purpose of this book, in 1965, was to present and discuss the Critical Path Method (CPM) and its use in the construction industry. At that time, CPM was a young but proven technique - usually considered to be optional. When the 2nd edition was published in 1971, the network approach to scheduling was becoming a regular requirement in construction contracts. The 3rd edition, published after 25 years of experience in the application of CPM, described highlights of that experience and its significance to the practical use of CPM.
The basic strength of CPM continues to be its ability to represent logical planning factors in network form. One reviewer noted: "Perhaps the most ironic aspect of the critical path method is that after you understand it, it is self-evident. Just as an algebra student can apply the rules without full appreciation of the power of the mathematical concepts, so can the individual apply CPM or its equivalent without fully appreciating the applicability of the method."
The book first describes the development of CPM and its practical use in the construction industry. The basic technique is described in sufficient depth for the reader to apply it to practical construction situations. The John Doe case study is used throughout the book to describe basic CPM network techniques and then to illustrate such special functions as updating, cost control, resource planning, and delay evaluation. Optimum methods of specifying the use of CPM are described in sufficient detail to be incorporated directly into construction specifications.
Since the 2nd edition, CPM has become widely utilized as an analytical tool in the evaluation, negotiation, resolution, and/or litigation of construction claims. This aspect is thoroughly explored in the current edition. Legal precedents for the use of CPM during litigation are provided.
In the 1980s, computer calculation shifted from mainframe programs to personal computers (PCs). PCs were the wave of the past two decades. The ubiquity in the 2000s of the internet and the wave of additional interconnectivity linking individual PCs now has the appearance of coming full circle and bringing back to CPM many of the strengths and weaknesses of the era of the mainframe. However, the approaches and procedures suggested in the first six editions are, almost without exception, still valid.
Network techniques are basic and logical, but assimilation of the network concept does take time. Further, an effort is required to build an experience level, which in turn builds confidence. This book aims to be a useful element in the development of that conceptual experience and confidence on the part of new users of CPM techniques.
- James J. O’Brien, P.E., PMP
I was introduced to the concepts of CPM as a student in college for 2 weeks in a course covering many aspects of construction management. It was a revelation and led to additional independent study, including a grant of computer time (on the giant mainframe) from Drexel University's Computer Center (Philadelphia, PA), on which my first CPM software program was written. It was at this time that I realized the potential value of CPM to resolve disputes involving delay that planted the seed for my future legal education.
Several years passed, during which I worked for several construction and consulting firms, and a stint as assistant corporate counsel for a large firm involved in international construction. In 1983, I formed EnProMaC (Engineering & Property Management Consultants, Inc.). Interestingly, in 1983 Joel Koppelman and Dick Faris formed Primavera Systems. One of my first efforts was to rewrite my CPM software program to run on my Osbourne I (a pre-IBM PC with 64KB of RAM and 90KB of floppy disk storage) running as a routine under dBASE II (a database program by Ashton Tate). At that time, I never dreamed that a market might exist for such software - assuming such could be rewritten for user-friendliness.
The success that Messrs. Koppelman and Faris achieved in launching Primavera is largely based upon their attention to making their software user-friendly - and in giving their customers that which is asked for. CPM theory has a number of limitations, as does any system that attempts to model reality. Bending the rules of CPM analysis can, in some instances, circumvent these limitations. In many cases special features have been added to Primavera, which have legitimate uses in very limited situations, but which should be used with extreme care. The many competitors of Primavera also have added features that extend and modify the basic concepts of CPM - each in their own fashion - and each that differ subtly from each other. One of my contributions, upon being added as a co-author to the 5th edition was to address these special features and their proper use.
In 1982, Drexel University asked me to create a course on CPM. This was a major factor in deciding to form my own consulting firm, so as to have more control over my time to pursue research and teaching. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to teach - and that is to share discussion with my students on - CPM, as well as courses on contracts and specifications, engineering law, and project administration. Considering the means of best teaching CPM led to many of the organizational changes of the 6th edition. In 2003, ENR featured Jim O'Brien and me in an article "Off the Critical Path" on issues relating to the legitimacy of CPM analyses. This too forced me to take time to think and to push the envelope.
The result was RDM, or Relationship Diagramming Method, outlined as an academic idea in the 6th edition. Much to my satisfaction, this idea has been well received. After converting my notes and comments of this text to the form of a dissertation, Drexel University conferred upon me the Ph.D. degree. And Primavera embraced the concept by requesting that I assist their implementation of RDM functionality to their line of software, starting with their high-end Pertmaster Risk Analysis product.
I, in turn, have been happy to provide my RDCPM certification of proper implementation to Pertmaster. And thus many of the additions to this 7th edition relate to the evolving standard for Relationship Driven CPM. Other additions relate to how other entities and organizations have similarly responded to the call for greater transparency raised in that 2003 article. The continuing evolution of software, from both the viewpoint of computer code and the consolidation of vendors to enterprise software providers (Welcome to Deltek, Primavera to Oracle), is also addressed.
It continues to be my hope that my contributions to this 7th edition will bring the confluence of the basic theory of mathematics, the applied discipline of engineering, and the framework for collaboration by adversarial parties provided by the study of law, all to assist the practitioner of planning and scheduling.
Fredric L. Plotnick, Ph.D., Esq., P.E.
Table of Contents
Preface. Acknowledments. Part 1: Introduction to CPM Planning and Scheduling. Chapter 1: Introduction to CPM Planning and Scheduling. Chapter 2: Project Control Systems Evolve in Academia. Chapter 3: Project Control Systems Evolve in the Marketplace. Part 2. The Theory of CPM Planning and Scheduling. Chapter 4: Your New Tool - Read Before Using. Chapter 5: Network Construction. Chapter 6: The Durations of the Logic Network. Chapter 7: Output of Calculations. Chapter 8: Cranking the Engine. Chapter 9: Adding Complexity. Chapter 10: PDM and Precedence Networks. Chapter 11: Respecting the Power of PDM. Chapter 12: PERT, SPERT, and GERT. Chapter 13: RDM Networks Restore the Promise. Chapter 14: Overview of Prevalent Software Products. Part 3: The Tools of CPM Planning and Scheduling. Chapter 15: Measure Twice - Cut Once. Chapter 16: Choosing Codes. Chapter 17: Acquiring Information to Initial Schedule. Chapter 18: Acquiring the Durations. Chapter 19: Specifying Restraints. Chapter 20: Example Project: The John Doe Project. Part 4: The Practice of CPM Planning and Scheduling. Chapter 21: Equipment and Workforce Planning. Chapter 22: Procurement. Chapter 23: Preconstruction. Chapter 24: Evolution of the Project Schedule. Chapter 25: CPM and Cost Control. Chapter 26: Enterprise Scheduling. Part 5: The Practice of CPM Scheduling. Chapter 27: Converting the Team Plan to the Calculated Schedule. Chapter 28: Engineer's Review of the Submitted Initial CPM. Chapter 29: Updating the Schedule. Chapter 30: Engineer's Review of the Submitted Update. Chapter 31: Revising the Logic Network. Chapter 32: Engineer's Review of the Submitted Revision. Chapter 33: Case Histories. Part 6: Advanced Topics. Chapter 34: Specifying CPM. Chapter 35: CPM in Claims and Litigation. Chapter 36: Delay Analysis. Chapter 37: Disruption Analyses. Chapter 38: Other Claim Methods. Chapter 39: Conclusiong. Appendix A: Sample CPM Specification as a Guideline for Preparing Your Own Specification. Appendix B: Unified Facilities Guide Specification. Appendix C: Navigating the CD-ROM. Index.
About the Authors
James J O'Brien PE PMP was vice chair of the board of O'Brien-Kreitzberg & Associates, Inc., the construction management firm that handled the renovation of San Francisco's cable car system. He was also the program manager for the redevelopment of JFK International Airport. Mr. O'Brien is the author or editor of many books, including Contractor's Management Handbook, Second Edition; Construction Management: A Professional Approach; Value Analysis in Design and Construction; and Scheduling Handbook, all published by McGraw-Hill.
Fredric L Plotnick PhD Esq PE is principal and president of Engineering & Property Management Consultant, Inc., and an adjunct professor in the Civil Engineering and Engineering Management Departments at Drexel University. He has thirty years' hands-on experience with the legal and technical aspects of project controls and the management of engineering design and construction. Dr. Plotnick is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International and a charter member and director of Academic Liaison and the Technical Track of the annual conference of the PMI college of Scheduling. |
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