Boosting Construction Project Timeline: The Case of Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)

Abstract

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) has emerged as a notable approach in recent years for improving time management in construction projects. This methodology focuses on optimizing project schedules, and its impact on construction projects has been explored through a review of literature from the past five years. However, a theoretical understanding alone may not be sufficient for promoting the adoption of CCPM in the sector. Therefore, an experimental study was conducted to assess the practical impact of CCPM on shortening the timeline of a construction project. The study involved the use of CPM for the planning phase and CCPM for the execution phase of finishing works (drywalls, carpentry, painting) in three identical blocks of flats. At the completion of the project, an important economy of 36 days (around 20%) was achieved, and the project was completed in 151 days using CCPM compared to the planned 187 days using CPM. The research was limited to finishing works, and further studies are planned to explore the applicability of CCPM to other construction works. It is imperative to establish a continuous collaboration between researchers and practitioners in the construction industry, as research findings should be effectively applied in real-world scenarios.