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Critical Path and Schedule Network Analysis for Planners

Many planners can draw a bar chart but far fewer truly understand the network logic and float behind it. This course goes deep on the critical path method and schedule network analysis, independent of any particular software. Delegates learn to build sound logic, calculate float by hand and interrogate a schedule with real understanding.

What you will be able to do

  • Build a logical activity network using the correct relationship types.
  • Perform forward and backward pass calculations to derive the critical path.
  • Calculate total float and free float and interpret what they mean for delivery.
  • Identify near critical paths that pose hidden risk to the finish date.
  • Assess schedule quality by checking logic, constraints and lags.
  • Use network analysis to test the impact of delays and acceleration options.

Course outline

  1. 01Activity networks and relationship types
  2. 02Forward and backward pass calculation
  3. 03Total float and free float
  4. 04The critical and near critical paths
  5. 05Constraints, lags and their effect
  6. 06Assessing schedule quality
  7. 07Delay and acceleration analysis

Who should attend

Project planners, schedulers, project controls staff and engineers who want a rigorous grounding in scheduling theory.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Lagos3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Harare3US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Kampala3US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026Pretoria3R13,000
21 to 23 Sep 2026Cape Town3R13,000
5 to 7 Oct 2026Online3US$900
12 to 14 Oct 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Cairo3US$1,500
26 to 28 Oct 2026Accra3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026Kigali3US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026Durban3R13,000
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
14 to 16 Dec 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Dubai3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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