Project Management

Critical Chain Project Management

• Traditional Classroom: 2-day
• Virtual Instructor-led: Four 3-hour sessions

This advanced project management course goes in depth to discuss critical chain project management (CCPM), a method of planning and managing projects that emphasizes the resources. CCPM is based on methods and algorithms derived from the Theory of Constraints. The idea of CCPM was introduced in 1997 in Eliyahu M. Goldratt’s book Critical Chain. The application of CCPM has been credited with achieving project 10-50% faster and/or cheaper than traditional methods.

Target Audience

Individuals who will benefit from this course include those with a basic understanding of project management who are currently managing projects: project managers, program managers, program planners, sponsors, and portfolio managers.

Learning Objectives

• Establish and manage a critical chain project plan.
• Increase the chance of delivering on time, on budget, and within scope.
• Schedule and manage projects with common resource dependencies.
• Significantly reduce the cycle time of your projects.
• Successfully implement the change to the critical chain method.

Course Outline

Module 1 — Introduction to Critical Chain

• Objectives, Introductions, Expectations
• Critical Path vs. Critical Chain Concepts

Module 2 — People

• Resource Dependencies
• Realistic Estimates
• Resource Behaviors
• Resistance to Change

Module 3 — Current Planning Pitfalls

• Planning a Single Project
• Simulation Exercise
• Buffers in Traditional Projects

Module 4 — Critical Chain Planning

• Productivity and Throughput
• Identify Constraints, Logical and People
• The Throughput Approach
• The three types of Buffers
• Develop Realistic Buffers
• Simulation Exercise

Module 5 — Executing the Critical Chain Project

• Managing by Buffers
• Reporting on Critical Chain Project
• Critical Chain Schedule
• Compare Critical Chain and Critical Path

Module 6 — The Multi-Project Environment

• The Chain Analogy
• Multitasking Simulation Exercise
• Selecting the Right Project

Module 7 — Critical Chain Scheduling

• Pitfalls Introducing Critical Chain
• Drum Resources
• Critical Chain Buffers
• Critical Chain Simulation Exercise
• Additional Critical Chain Scheduling Tips

Module 8 — Implementing Critical Chain

• Natural Resistance to Change
• Single Project Implementation
• Multi-Project Implementation
• Financial Justification for Critical Chain
• Testimonials

Module 9 — Summary

• Recap Main Points
• Personal Action Plan
• Reflection

MDI1559B Course Code