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What Value Does Critical Path Analysis Have in Planning and Implementing a New Operations Strategy?

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CPA (Critical Path Analysis) and its value on Strategy Implementation

Critical Path Analysis (CPA) plays a very important role in the planning and implementation of an operations strategy. Its helps with planning the implementation of the operations strategy and is a mechanism to help manage and control improvements and/or the targets of performance objectives, the alignment of capabilities (changes in layout, machinery etc.) and the resources required underpinning the implementation exercise.

The main outcome from CPA and its main value to implementing an operations strategy is that it identifies those tasks which cannot be delayed or take longer than their estimate without impacting the overall project, this being from a time perspective. Such tasks form the basis of the critical path and are the tasks crucial to the success of the implementation exercise. Karaca & Onargan (2007) describe that critical paths are not fixed and as changes and updates are made, a new critical path may emerge.

CPA and its Application within an Operational Context

Karaca & Onargan (2007) discuss as part of their article on the application of CPA in workflow schema of Marble Processing Plants, a number of benefits emerged upon completion of this exercise. Through the use of CPA network diagrams, the critical path of workflow for the new marble plant resulted in better production capacity and production timing. The study proves CPA can be used in the design of a new marble plant and was shown as an effective method for managing workflow resource and time management. Although the study was discussing Marble Processing, the context is operational in nature and the findings can be applied elsewhere to other operational situations.

An important point from the above study and one which is often discussed is the use of CPA in small, medium and large organizations. Karaca &

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