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Carmen Rojas

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a popular methodology used by project managers and those that manage project schedules. This approach to sequencing and managing projects is highly sought after due to its ability to focus resources and streamline efforts to complete projects where time is of the utmost importance. In this project, learners will learn about the Critical Path Method. They will learn about how to calculate values such as Early Start, Late Start, Early Finish, Late Finish, Float, Duration, and the critical path itself. Learners will learn how to use Excel to create spreadsheets and diagrams that will act as calculators of the values used to determine the Critical Path. Then, learners will adapt these spreadsheets into Tableau. They will learn to create charts that display project duration, Gantt Charts as well as Abacus style charts. Finally, they will learn how to analyze these visualizations to answer project management questions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Build Critical Path Visualizations in Tableau and Excel
They will learn about how to calculate values such as Early Start, Late Start, Early Finish, Late Finish, Float, Duration, and the critical path itself. Learners will use Excel to create spreadsheets and diagrams that will act as calculators of the values used to determine the Critical Path. Then, learners will adapt these spreadsheets into Tableau. They will learn to create charts that display project duration, Gantt Charts as well as Abacus style charts. Finally, they will learn how to analyze these visualizations to answer project management questions.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops project management skills, which are core skills for task completion
Covers the setup of spreadsheets and diagrams in Excel as tools for project management
Suitable for beginners in understanding the Critical Path Method
Requires Excel for students in order to participate fully

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build Critical Path Visualizations in Tableau and Excel with these activities:
Calculate CPM values
Refresh the skills needed to calculate CPM (Critical Path Method) values in preparation for this course.
Show steps
  • Review definitions of Early Start, Late Start, Early Finish, and Late Finish.
  • Practice calculating duration.
  • Try calculating float.
Compile a curated list of Critical Path resources
Organize and expand on available resources to facilitate deeper learning and reference.
Browse courses on Critical Path Method
Show steps
  • Search for articles, videos, and online tools related to CPM.
  • Review and select high-quality resources.
  • Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or relevance.
  • Create a document or online platform to share the compilation.
CPM Calculations Practice
Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding of CPM calculations, such as calculating early start, early finish, late start, and late finish dates.
Show steps
  • Find problems from course materials or online resources
  • Solve problems step-by-step
  • Check your answers against provided solutions
Eight other activities
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Show all 11 activities
CPM Study Group
Form a study group with peers to discuss concepts, work on problems, and share knowledge. This will provide you with opportunities to clarify your understanding and learn from others' perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find a group of interested peers
  • Set regular meeting times
  • Prepare discussion topics or problems to solve
Practice drawing Gantt charts
Enhance the ability to visualize project timelines and identify critical paths through practice.
Browse courses on Project Scheduling
Show steps
  • Gather sample project data.
  • Create a Gantt chart using a spreadsheet or tool.
  • Analyze the chart to identify critical path and dependencies.
  • Repeat the process with different project scenarios.
Follow online tutorials on CPM using Excel
Guided tutorials can provide step-by-step instructions on how to use Excel for CPM calculations and visualizations.
Browse courses on Critical Path Method
Show steps
  • Search for and select reputable online tutorials on CPM in Excel.
  • Follow the tutorials to build Excel spreadsheets for CPM calculations.
  • Create charts and diagrams to visualize project timelines and critical paths.
  • Practice modifying project data and observe the impact on CPM calculations.
CPM Project Plan
Create a project plan using the Critical Path Method to manage a hypothetical project. This will help you apply the concepts you learn in the course and develop practical skills.
Show steps
  • Define project scope and goals
  • Break project into tasks
  • Estimate task durations
  • Identify dependencies between tasks
  • Calculate critical path
Gantt Chart for Project Management
Create a Gantt chart to visualize the project schedule and identify potential bottlenecks. This will help you develop a visual understanding of the project timeline and dependencies.
Show steps
  • Gather project data
  • Create tasks and activities
  • Estimate task durations
  • Plot tasks on a timeline
  • Add dependencies and milestones
Tableau Tutorial for CPM Visualization
Follow a guided tutorial to learn how to use Tableau to create clear and informative visualizations of CPM schedules. This will enhance your ability to communicate project plans and progress to stakeholders.
Show steps
  • Find a suitable tutorial
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial
  • Practice creating visualizations
Build a Critical Path model in Tableau
Apply the concepts of CPM by creating an interactive visualization in Tableau, which will enhance understanding and decision-making.
Browse courses on Tableau
Show steps
  • Gather project data and prepare it for Tableau.
  • Build a data model and create calculated fields for CPM values.
  • Design visualizations to display critical path, Gantt chart, and Abacus style chart.
  • Create interactive dashboards to enable filtering and analysis.
Participate in a CPM case study competition
Engage in a challenging competition to test and demonstrate skills in applying CPM to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Critical Path Method
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant CPM case study competition.
  • Assemble a team or work individually on the case study.
  • Analyze the case, identify critical paths, and develop mitigation strategies.
  • Present findings and defend recommendations to a panel of judges.

Career center

Learners who complete Build Critical Path Visualizations in Tableau and Excel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals and objectives, develop project plans, and allocate resources. They also track project progress and make adjustments as needed. This course can help Project Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Project Managers can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing programs. They work with stakeholders to define program goals and objectives, develop program plans, and allocate resources. They also track program progress and make adjustments as needed. This course can help Program Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize program schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Program Managers can gain a better understanding of program timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing supply chains. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that goods and services are delivered to customers on time and at the right price. This course can help Supply Chain Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize supply chain schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Supply Chain Managers can gain a better understanding of supply chain timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Construction Manager
Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to plan and execute construction projects. They also manage budgets, timelines, and quality control. This course can help Construction Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Construction Managers can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing operations. They work with stakeholders to define operational goals and objectives, develop operational plans, and allocate resources. They also track operational progress and make adjustments as needed. This course can help Operations Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize operational schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Operations Managers can gain a better understanding of operational timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks. They work with businesses to help them protect their assets and reputation. This course can help Risk Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Risk Managers can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts work with businesses to design and implement information systems. They analyze business needs, develop system specifications, and manage system implementation. This course can help Systems Analysts develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Systems Analysts can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Project Engineer
Project Engineers work with engineers to design and build projects. They manage budgets, timelines, and quality control. This course can help Project Engineers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Project Engineers can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course can help Management Consultants develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Management Consultants can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed recommendations.
Technical Project Manager
Technical Project Managers oversee the development and implementation of technical projects. They work with engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals to plan and execute projects. This course can help Technical Project Managers develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Technical Project Managers can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to define business needs and develop solutions. They analyze data, identify problems, and recommend solutions. This course can help Business Analysts develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Business Analysts can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed recommendations.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems. They work with businesses to improve efficiency and productivity. This course can help Operations Research Analysts develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Operations Research Analysts can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course can help Data Analysts develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Data Analysts can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze financial data and make recommendations. They work with businesses to help them make informed financial decisions. This course can help Financial Analysts develop the skills they need to create critical path visualizations, which can be used to identify and mitigate risks, and optimize project schedules. By learning how to use Excel and Tableau to create these visualizations, Financial Analysts can gain a better understanding of project timelines and dependencies, and make more informed decisions.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build Critical Path Visualizations in Tableau and Excel.
Is the official guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management, or for those who need a refresher on the basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of critical path analysis and scheduling. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these topics, or for those who need a refresher on the basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management from a systems perspective. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management, or for those who need a refresher on the basics.
Provides a practical guide to project management, covering all the essential concepts and techniques. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management, or for those who need a refresher on the basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management, covering all the essential concepts and techniques. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management, or for those who need a refresher on the basics.
Provides a comprehensive guide to project management for non-profit organizations. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management in this specific industry.
Provides a comprehensive guide to project management for construction projects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management in this specific industry.
Provides a comprehensive guide to project management for information technology projects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management in this specific industry.
Provides a comprehensive guide to project management for healthcare projects. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management in this specific industry.

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