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Critical Chain

What is Critical Chain?

Critical Chain is a project management methodology developed by Eliyahu M. Goldratt in 1997. It is based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and focuses on managing the uncertainties that exist in projects. The main goal of Critical Chain is to reduce the overall duration of a project while maintaining quality and meeting customer requirements.

The main idea behind Critical Chain is to identify and manage the critical path of a project, which is the longest chain of tasks that must be completed in order for the project to be successful. By managing this critical path, it is possible to reduce the overall duration of a project and increase its chances of success.

How Does Critical Chain Work?

Critical Chain works by breaking down a project into smaller tasks and then scheduling them in such a way that they are completed as quickly as possible. This involves identifying the critical path of the project and then scheduling tasks so that they are completed in sequence. Tasks can also be scheduled in parallel if necessary.

In addition, Critical Chain also takes into account potential risks and uncertainties that may arise during the course of a project. These risks are identified and managed through buffer time, which is extra time added to each task to account for any potential delays or problems that may arise. This helps to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its deadlines.

Benefits of Critical Chain

The main benefit of using Critical Chain is that it helps to reduce the overall duration of a project while still maintaining quality and meeting customer requirements. By managing the critical path of a project, it is possible to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing the amount of time needed for completion.

In addition, Critical Chain also helps to identify potential risks before they become an issue, allowing for proactive management rather than reactive management. This helps to ensure that projects stay on track and meet their deadlines without any unexpected delays or problems.