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(CDR-2542) Forensic Schedule Analysis – Critical Path Method - Test & Evaluation Systems

Level: Intermediate
Author(s): Patrick M. Kelly, PE PSP; Kenji P. Hoshino, CFCC PSP; Michael S. Dennis, CCP; Greta A. Martin, PE PSP
Venue: 2017 AACE International Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL

Abstract: In order to evaluate implementation methods described in AACE's Recommended Practices for CPM scheduling and forensic schedule analysis, there is a need for a standard demonstration data set that can act as a common tool for practitioners to demonstrate good practice. This paper makes recommendations for the creation of a Uniform Demonstration Construction Schedule Series (UDCSS), a CPM network model, including a full lifecycle set of updates, which can serve as a standard data set for the demonstration of CPM scheduling concepts, testing of forensic schedule analysis methods, evaluation of scheduling software, and teaching of CPM scheduling, while also serving as an open-source 'sandbox'. The UDCSS will model realistic complexity with a variety of conditions and technical attributes, such as types of relationships, multiple calendars, and activity codes, while also providing flexibility and scalability. Use of the UDCSS would add transparency of practice and provide a familiar and predictable known-state for scientific control.