Analysis of the Perceptions of CPM (Critical Path Method) as a Project Management Tool on Base Level Civil Engineering Projects.

This thesis identifies current project management practices and investigates the knowledge and use of the Critical Path Method CPM in base level civil engineering contract projects. The increased approval authority for maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects accents the need for good project management. CPM is a widely-used management technique on large construction projects, but its value for these smaller operations and maintenance projects is less publicized. A survey questionaire was developed to collect data from senior managers in CONUS base level Engineering and Environmental Planning branches. The survey results indicate these managers are somewhat satisfied with their current methods of managing base-level projects but are dissatisfied in some areas. The perceived knowledge of CPM terms, concepts, and applications is average to below average. Most experience with CPM is the MCP projects. Half of those responding believe that CPM would be effective on base-level projects, and half feel it would be ineffective. Those with the most association with CPM projects tend to be among those who feel it would be effective on base-level projects.