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Open Standard · M2 Planning & Scheduling

M2.2 Logic, Critical Path & Float

The learner should be able to construct and analyse a logically linked schedule, choose relationships, recognise missing or inappropriate logic, distinguish logic from constraints, identify critical and near-critical paths, understand total and free float, recognise negative or unusually high float, understand how progress changes the path, and use the analysis to support decisions. The goal is to understand the schedule as a model, not simply as software output.
7 knowledge pages4,159 discussions1 blogsRead M2.2 in the Open Standard text

Knowledge

Articles and chapters

  • M6.5 — Claims & Forensic Analysis

    1. Practical outcomeThe learner should be able to preserve relevant records, define a forensic question, establish a reliable chronology, test cause and effect across schedule and cost, distinguish facts from assumptions and produce reproducible findings. They should understand how project-controls…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M6.4 — Assurance & Control Reviews

    1. Practical outcomeThe learner should be able to plan and conduct a proportionate review of project-controls data, processes and outputs; test evidence against stated criteria; identify material weaknesses; communicate their consequences; and verify corrective action. They should distinguish…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M6.3 — Baseline Change & Configuration Control

    1. Practical outcomeThe learner should be able to turn a bounded approval into a verified revision of the affected scope, schedule, budget, progress, risk and configuration records. They should preserve previous baselines, maintain relationships between approved, forecast and as-built information,…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M5.1 — Performance Measures & Indicators

    1. Practical outcomeThe learner should be able to turn a project objective and a management decision into a small, coherent set of performance measures. They should define what each measure means, calculate it from controlled evidence, establish an appropriate reference and response threshold,…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M4.4 — Risk Response & Control

    1. Practical outcomeBy the end of this section, the learner should be able to turn an analysed threat or opportunity into a controlled management response that is proportionate, owned, time-bound and integrated with the way the project is actually delivered. They should be able to distinguish a…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M4.3 — Quantitative Risk Analysis

    1. Practical outcomeBy the end of this section, the learner should be able to take a defined project objective, a credible current schedule or cost model, and a selected set of material uncertainties and turn them into a transparent quantitative view of possible outcomes. They should be able to…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M4.2 — Qualitative Risk Analysis

    1. Practical outcomeThe learner should be able to take identified risks and assess them systematically so that management attention focuses on what matters. They should be able to assess probability and impact, apply a scoring framework, use a matrix appropriately, consider other relevant factors,…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M4.1 — Risk Identification & Assessment

    1. Practical outcomeBy the end of this section, the learner should be able to establish a disciplined risk-identification process that finds, frames and records uncertainty before it is scored or modelled. They should be able to distinguish risks from issues, assumptions, dependencies, decisions…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M2.5 — Schedule Forecasting & Analysis

    1. Practical outcomeBy the end of this section, the learner should be able to take a credible current schedule and use it to forecast likely future outcomes, explain what is driving those outcomes, test alternative scenarios, assess the effect of uncertainty and management interventions, and…

    17 Oct 2026
  • M2.4 — Progress Updating & Schedule Control

    1. Practical outcomeBy the end of this section, the learner should be able to take an approved schedule and turn it into a trustworthy current control model at each reporting cycle. They should be able to establish a clear data date, collect and validate actual progress, record actual starts and…

    17 Oct 2026

Discussions

4,155 discussions

  1. 5replies
    Why not give Contractors the "Engineers Schedule" as a starting point on complicated projects?
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby John Reeves· 5 years ago
  2. 4replies
  3. 3replies
    Preferred Percentage Complete type and best for overall Roll up percentage
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby Marc Lum Lock· 5 years ago
  4. 1reply
    What is tf/shift an acronym for, such as with rail ballast (rock)
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby John Reeves· 5 years ago
  5. 1reply
    "Received for Record" - does this mean neither approved or rejected so contractor can get paid?
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby John Reeves· 5 years ago
  6. 4replies
    WIF Schedule
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby G Mullins· 5 years ago
  7. 10replies
    Activity Layout / Website Timescale Issue
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby Troon Sigma· 5 years ago
  8. 4replies
    Budgeted Costs Lost during XER Import
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby Jean-Michel Albert· 5 years ago
  9. 6replies
    Float at WBS Level / How Float is Calculated at WBS Level
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby Jean-Michel Albert· 5 years ago
  10. 1reply
    Programme Revision Narative Template
    Planning, Scheduling & Programming Discussionby Chris Wilson· 5 years ago

291–300 of 4,155

Blogs

Thought leadership

  • How Project Planners Should Deal with a Difficult Client PMO

    Ten ways to keep your client happy, protect your construction programme and build stronger working relationships.Every construction planner knows that keeping the client happy matters. But what…

    Sunchana Johnston

    17 Oct 2026
  • Sunchana’s P6 Lancelot Meets OPC Star Wars

    Several months ago, I was engaged as the planning lead with one of the most significant infrastructure organisations.My assignments appeared straightforward: to provide independent planning expertise and advise senior stakeholders on the most appropriate software solution to support the extensive…

    Sunchana Johnston

    10 Aug 2026
  • PROCEDURES No 15 – Planning Standards

    Fed up with adverts from software companies and consultancies that are going to change the world of Planning and solve all your project problems? This series of occasional articles promises nothing but thought provoking questions on how well we understand the basics of our profession from the…

    PP Admin

    10 Aug 2026

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    £100-130,000
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    £95,000
  3. LondonPermanent Employment
    TBC

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