critical chain method (PM)

The Critical Chain Method is a method used in project management to determine project duration. The method evolved from the Critical Path Method( CPM).

With the Critical Chain Method, project management includes buffer times resulting from optimistic and pessimistic estimates as a cumulative value in the overall project. This makes it possible to compensate for imponderables in the project schedule or time delays caused by limited resources.

The critical chain method provides more accurate results than the critical path method, whereby the calculated value can be corrected by statistical data or empirical values.