Critical Path Identification

Upon completion of forward and backward scanning, all of the relevant information required to analyse and optimise a project are available.

• The EST box gives the earliest starting time of any activity after the vertex.
• The values next to the LST box give latest start time of the respective activities after the vertex.
• The float time can be calculated as:
\[\textrm{float}=LST-EST\]
• The critical path can be determined.

The critical path consists of the key activities that directly impact the overall completion time of a project. Any delay in these activities will result in a delay to the project's completion. Activities on the critical path have zero float time, which can be identified by vertices where the EST equals the LST. Tracing these vertices and their connecting edges reveals the critical path.

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