Crashing a project

Crashing a project refers to the process of expediting or accelerating activities in order to complete the project in a shorter duration. This is typically done by reducing the time required for critical activities in the project's critical path. The critical path is the sequence of activities that determines the project's overall duration.

Cost-time optimization

Cost-time optimization involves finding the most efficient way to complete a project while minimizing costs. By crashing the project, the aim is to reduce its duration without significantly increasing the overall cost. This is achieved by identifying critical activities with the minimum cost slope.

Identifying critical activities with minimum cost slope

The cost slope of an activity represents the additional cost required to shorten its duration. By analyzing the cost slope of each critical activity, it is possible to identify those with the lowest cost slope. These activities are the most suitable candidates for crashing as they offer the greatest reduction in project duration for the least additional cost.

Activities on the critical path

Activities on the critical path have zero float, meaning any delay in their completion will directly impact the project's overall duration. Crashing these activities can significantly reduce the project's completion time as they are the most time-sensitive tasks. By focusing on these critical activities, it is possible to achieve the desired time optimization without affecting non-critical tasks.

Activities on sub-critical paths and all activities of the network

Activities on sub-critical paths have some float, indicating that a delay in their completion does not directly impact the project's overall duration. Crashing these activities may not provide a significant reduction in project duration as they are not time-sensitive. Similarly, crashing all activities of the network, including non-critical ones, may not result in the desired time optimization and can lead to unnecessary additional costs.

Conclusion

In cost-time optimization of a project, the most effective approach is to crash critical activities with the minimum cost slope. This strategy allows for the greatest reduction in project duration while minimizing the additional costs. By focusing on the critical path and identifying the most suitable activities for crashing, project managers can achieve time optimization without unnecessary expenses.