Critical Path The critical path is the sequence of linked activities through a programme which determines the overall

project duration. Float Float is basically a time allowance built into activities or programmes. It is a buffer zone for slippage and delays. Terminal Float It is the duration between planned completion and completion date. Important for contractor If delaying events occur that are the contractors fault, such as late delivery of materials or labour problems, then the contractor has to pay for the time and cost effects of such events. Terminal float is used by the contractor to absorb the time effects without (hopefully) delaying the completion date. Terminal float is assessed on risk. Train and aeroplane example. Delay is when an activity does not start on intended time. Contractor did not get access on time. Prolongation is when an activitys duration is extended. In other words the activity takes longer to complete. Extra work added to the programme Disruption is where one activity is affected because of another activity. Programme A programme shows the sequence of significant activities and their durations in a project. There are 3 types of programmes The master project programme It is used to plan and coordinate the whole project from concept to completion. It includes the other two programmes The design programme Used for planning, controlling, coordinating, resourcing and monitoring either design or construction activities The construction programme Used to determine contractual entitlement to delay, extra time and extra costs and expenses Benefits of a construction programme to make sure the contractor has planned the works thoroughly allow the contract administrator to assess whether the contractor has fully understood all obligations, and any constraints enable the contract administrator to prompt the employer with any requirements for land, access, consents enable the employer to plan funding and likely payment flow ensure that the designer and contractor carry out CDM risk assessments on time

enable the CDM coordinator to coordinate and facilitate communication on safety matters assist the contract administrator in programming design requirements so as not to delay the contractor assist the contract administrator in programming site supervisory staff and any specialist supervision that may be needed enable the contractor to manage and co-ordinate the work enable the contractor and contract administrator to monitor progress enable the contractor to predict and monitor cash flow and finance requirements enable materials and manufactured items to be produced and delivered when required enable plant requirements to be predicted and organised co-ordinate the work of sub-contractors enable assessments to be made