Page 182 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Software Project Management

Notes  At this point, the critical chain project manager develops the critical chain plan. Buffers are
segments of time that are placed at the end of a sequence of tasks for the purpose of
protecting the schedule of those tasks.
 Buffers can also be used to protect cost, much like a contingency for unexpected expenses
in a budget.

 The three main types of buffers are Project buffers, Feeding buffers and Resource buffers.
The TPM will see the buffer as nothing more than management reserve.
 The only real similarity between a management reserve and a buffer may be in how they
are managed.

9.6 Keywords

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM): It is a method of planning and managing projects
that puts more emphasis on the resources required to execute project.
Buffers: Buffers are segments of time that are placed at the end of a sequence of tasks for the
purpose of protecting the schedule of those tasks.
Project Buffers: The project buffer is a time buffer placed at the end of the critical chain to protect
the overall project schedule.

Feeding Buffers: The feeding buffer is a time buffer placed at the end of a sequence of tasks that lead
into the critical chain.
Resource Buffers: The resource buffer is different than the previous buffers. First, it is not a time
buffer. It is a flag, usually placed on the critical chain to alert a resource that it is needed.

9.7 Review Questions

1. What is CCPM?
2. Make distinctions between CCPM and TPM.

3. What are the problems associated with traditional project scheduling?
4. How uncertainty is managed by Critical Chain approach?
5. How CCPM approach is identical to TPM?
6. Define buffers and explain their types.
7. Examine the impact of CPM/PERT on project scheduling.

8. Make an analysis and write a note on Project Buffers and Feeding Buffers. Examine their
differences.
9. Analyze the distinctive points between CPM vs. PERT.

10. Explain the ways in which the buffers are managed.

Answers: Self Assessment

1. critical path 2. concurrent
3. reallocated 4. monitor
5. execute 6. Padding task

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