What does the Critical Path Method (CPM) primarily focus on?

The Critical Path Method (CPM) primarily focuses on scheduling and controlling project activities. This project management technique is designed to identify the longest sequence of dependent tasks that dictate the minimum duration of a project. By determining which tasks are critical for timely project completion, CPM enables project managers to plan effectively, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor progress throughout the project lifecycle.

Using CPM, managers can also identify non-critical tasks that may have some flexibility in their scheduling, allowing them to optimize the overall timeline. The method emphasizes the importance of critical tasks that, if delayed, would directly impact the project's completion date, highlighting the need for careful time management.

While improving team collaboration, budgeting project costs, and ensuring quality are important aspects of project management, these areas are not the primary focus of the Critical Path Method. Instead, CPM is specifically tailored to enhance the oversight of project scheduling and streamline the management of tasks to meet deadlines effectively.