Which schedule concept uses dependencies to determine the longest path and the project duration?

• A. PERT Analysis
• B. Resource Histogram
• C. Gantt Chart
• D. Critical Path

Answer: (D)

The concept is the Critical Path. It uses the relationships between tasks to map out the longest chain of dependent activities, and the sum of their durations sets the minimum time needed to finish the project. By following the network and calculating start and finish times, you identify the path with zero or least slack—the critical path—so any delay on those tasks delays the entire project. In practice, you determine earliest start/finish and latest start/finish, then see which tasks have no total float; those form the critical path and drive the project duration.

PERT Analysis involves probabilistic time estimates to model duration, not specifically identifying the longest path. A Gantt Chart is a visual timeline of tasks and dates, useful for viewing schedule but not the method that determines the longest path. A Resource Histogram shows how resources are allocated over time, focusing on capacity rather than the sequencing that sets project duration.